LG Opens Majap R&D Center

By Alan Wolf -- TWICE, 9/28/2011

Buffalo Grove, Ill. - LG Electronics USA today officially opened its first U.S.-based R&D center for major appliances.

Located here, the $6.5 million facility will provide "low-volume, high-precision product testing and consumer research" using state-of-the-art methodologies and technologies, the company said.

"The Home Appliance R&D center represents LG's commitment to meeting the needs of its customers in the U.S., ensuring the highest degree of efficiency is met," said Y. H. Lee, president/CEO of the LG Home Appliance Co. "The center is a platform for LG to help assure that LG appliances meet or exceed industry standards, explore new technologies and, most importantly, drive innovation for next-generation products."

The 30,770-square-foot facility can test hundreds of appliances annually before going into production. The first floor is dedicated to majap testing, including refrigerators, washers, dryers, ovens, ranges, cooktops, microwave ovens, dishwashers and vacuum cleaners. It houses state-of-the-art testing equipment such as a climate-controlled chamber specifically designed to test refrigerator-freezers, consistent with test procedures and industry guidelines set by Underwriters Laboratory (UL), UL Environment (ULE), the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) and U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).

The first floor also holds a "consumer insights lab" featuring residential kitchen, laundry room and living room spaces and a field focus group discussion area where consumers can experience using LG appliances and share their reactions.

The second floor houses a video studio and residential kitchen where video content is created for consumers and service technicians. Videos include product and cooking demonstrations and lifestyle hints conducted by LG home economists and customer support technicians. The professionally produced video series will be available on LG's website in the coming weeks.

"Providing the greatest benefit and value to our customers is a key aspect of our new R&D center," said Heejin Lee, senior director of the R&D center. "By utilizing our advanced resources efficiently, we strive to develop the best products that meet the highest expectations, specific to our U.S. customers."

A ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by Wayne Park, president/CEO of LG Electronics USA, was held this morning.