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Business & Money • Home Appliances

Electrolux

Electrolux is a Swedish multinational home appliance company headquartered in Stockholm.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Electrolux is a Swedish multinational home appliance company headquartered in Stockholm. Founded in 1919, it is known for major appliances and vacuum cleaners sold under its own name and other brands. The company is one of the world's largest appliance manufacturers, and its products are sold in Canada through retail and appliance channels.

History

Electrolux traces its origins to Swedish industrial companies active in the early 1900s. The modern company was established in 1919 through a merger between AB Lux and Elektromekaniska AB, with Swedish entrepreneur Axel Wenner-Gren as a key figure. The spelling was changed from Elektrolux to Electrolux in 1957.

Products and business

Electrolux sells home appliances and vacuum cleaners under its own name and other brands. Its main products include refrigerators, washing machines, dishwashers, ovens, and vacuum cleaners. The business is focused on consumer appliances, with a long association with household technology.

Corporate structure

Electrolux is a publicly listed company with its primary listing on the Stockholm Stock Exchange. It operates as a multinational group with global sales and manufacturing operations.

Innovation and legacy

The company is historically linked to early developments in vacuum cleaners and absorption refrigerators. These products helped establish Electrolux as a major appliance manufacturer.

Key facts

  • Electrolux was formed in 1919 from a merger between AB Lux and Elektromekaniska AB.
  • The company’s name combines elements of Elektromekaniska and Lux.
  • Electrolux is headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden.
  • Its main products include refrigerators, washing machines, dishwashers, ovens, and vacuum cleaners.
  • The spelling of the company name was changed from Elektrolux to Electrolux in 1957.
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Canadian context

Electrolux products are sold in Canada through retail and appliance channels, making the brand familiar to Canadian consumers of home appliances.

Frequently asked questions

What is Electrolux?
Electrolux is a Swedish multinational company that manufactures and sells home appliances and vacuum cleaners.
When was Electrolux founded?
Electrolux was founded in 1919.
Who founded Electrolux?
The company is associated with Swedish entrepreneur Axel Wenner-Gren.
Where is Electrolux headquartered?
Electrolux is headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden.
What does Electrolux make?
Its products include refrigerators, ovens, dishwashers, washing machines, and vacuum cleaners.
Why is Electrolux historically notable?
It played an important role in the development and commercialisation of early household vacuum cleaners and refrigerators.

References

  1. Electrolux Group — https://www.electroluxgroup.com/en/history-timeline-1919-1929-26396/
    Supports: Formation of AB Electrolux in 1919 and the origin of the company name.
  2. Electrolux Group — https://career.electroluxgroup.com/global/en/our-history
    Supports: Company origins in Stockholm and association with Axel Wenner-Gren.
  3. Electrolux Group — https://www.electroluxgroup.com/annualreports/2012/en/visionandstrategy/thehistoryofelectro/pdf/The%20story%20of%20Electrolux.pdf
    Supports: Historical milestones including early products, stock exchange listings, and the 1957 name change.
  4. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electrolux
    Supports: General overview of the company, products, founding date, and Stockholm Stock Exchange listing.