Nowadays, high-quality living has quietly become a lifestyle pursued by consumers, and the simple low-price strategy for home appliances no longer satisfies consumers’ actual needs. High-end, minimalist designs, user-friendly operation, and powerful, practical product functions have become key factors for consumers when purchasing home appliances. Specifically, when it comes to washing machines, consumers are no longer only concerned with washing performance but are more focused on aspects such as large capacity, low noise, energy efficiency, and healthy washing. Faced with the ever-evolving consumer demands, Galanz washing machines have actively embraced high-end products through technological innovation and independent research and development, achieving certain successes. Therefore, in detail, Home Appliance Technology interviewed Galanz Washing Machines about their development and technological strategy.
Technological Innovation Under the “Boutique Strategy”
In recent years, with the continuous downturn of the real estate market and the new normal of China’s macroeconomy, the overall washing machine market has slowed down. According to data from Aowei Cloud Network, in the first half of 2016, the washing machine retail market size was 26.3 billion yuan, a year-on-year decrease of 4.6%, and the retail sales volume was 14.64 million units, a year-on-year decrease of 1.6%. This overcapacity and insufficient demand situation in the washing machine market has increased the pressure on manufacturers. In this context, washing machine companies must seize structural development opportunities and promote growth by upgrading product structures and manufacturing models.
The current direction of washing machine products is toward large capacity, ultra-thin designs, health, customizable variable frequency, intelligent systems, low noise, etc. To occupy a place in the industry, companies must focus on technology and innovate to drive their development.
To respond to fierce market competition, Galanz Washing Machines has launched the “Boutique Strategy” to transform and upgrade its washing machine products to meet consumer needs. For example, to consumers’ preference for large-capacity products, Galanz has developed high-end washing machines with capacities of 8kg, 9kg, 10kg, 12kg, and 15kg, aiming to meet the needs of users at all levels. Additionally, health-oriented washing machines are a major concern for consumers today, and in the past two years, Galanz has made significant efforts in washing machine health technology. “We have invited top domestic and international experts to join us, striving for breakthroughs in health technology. Galanz has independently developed steam sterilization technology, antibacterial outer tub technology, antibacterial inner tub technology, water residue elimination technology, drying technology, and more. Every technological breakthrough aims to achieve ‘healthy washing’ and contribute to the faster development of the industry.” Regarding popular products like smart features and drying technology, Galanz has also made great strides in R&D. The new Galanz washing machines feature functions like smart detergent dispensing, WiFi-enabled voice commands, and separate washing options, making it easier and more convenient for consumers to use. The innovative drying technology has also solved users’ pain points, making the product more user-friendly and helping solve practical problems.
Strict Quality Control Based on Standards
Currently, the national standard GB/T 4288 “Electric Washing Machines for Household and Similar Use” is undergoing its fourth revision, which has fully quantified the indicators for high-end washing machines and pointed out the direction for the healthy development of washing machines. This revision adjusts technical methods and product R&D directions, guiding new national standards. In addition, Galanz has been continuously working on technology breakthroughs in washing machines’ water and electricity consumption, washing efficiency, etc., striving to find the optimal balance in cleaning performance and wear resistance. The company has developed high-performance products with low power consumption, low water usage, low wear, and consistent washing efficiency. “Currently, Galanz has developed internal technical standards, and we will continue our efforts to deepen research and ensure the high cleaning efficiency of our washing machines.”
Product quality is the foundation for a company’s survival. To ensure long-term development, it is crucial to maintain strict quality control. Galanz has developed its method for quality control. Galanz washing machines consistently align with world-class standards for product quality through exchanges and discussions with domestic and international experts. By continuously improving technical and product quality standards, Galanz washing machines became one of the first companies to pass ISO quality certification in 2009. In addition, Galanz has invested in a CNAS-accredited washing performance laboratory and actively collaborates with well-known domestic industry institutions to enhance testing personnel’s operational skills and improve testing methods. Galanz’s quality control department regularly selects washing machines from the production line for various performance tests. Specific testing standards have been formed for washing performance, vibration performance, packaging and transportation (drop, vibration, shock, clamping, stacking), motor lifespan testing, pump testing (300,000 cycles), door lock (50,000 cycles), water valve testing, water level sensors, heaters, belts, etc. Additionally, before mass production, Galanz performs 2,500 work cycle tests on washing machines to ensure high product quality.
Focusing on Consumer Needs to Enhance User Experience
The high-end upgrade of products aims to better serve consumers by providing them with a superior user experience, and Galanz has made significant efforts in this area. As the reporter explained, Galanz frequently monitors consumer reviews on social and shopping platforms to understand consumer needs and optimize their products accordingly. To meet consumer demands for product design, Galanz collaborates with top international designers to create products with both Chinese characteristics and international appeal. To address the issue of washing machine noise, Galanz has adopted BLDC motors and integrated variable frequency technology to achieve a quiet operation. For consumers’ interest in smart features, Galanz has developed washing machines with self-dosing capabilities, which are now in mass production. Galanz’s DiDi drum washing machine realizes Chinese voice command control.
Moreover, Galanz has developed turbidity detection technology, vibration sensing technology, and smart memory functions, which have received market recognition and consumer praise. Galanz has also integrated smart product features on its platform, allowing users to manage their washing machines via mobile apps, collect data, and submit customization requests to the factory. This enables global washing machine users to communicate with each other. With the development of smart features, Galanz has made the once tedious task of washing clothes more interesting, transforming washing machines from merely practical devices into platforms with information-sharing and social functions, enriching consumers’ lives.
Since the launch of its first cost-effective, mass-market drum washing machine in 2012, Galanz has continued to move forward, maintaining excellent product quality and accumulating a good reputation. After years of continuous efforts and improvements, Galanz has built its own control systems and technical standards, establishing itself as an industry leader.