LG Showcases Latest Innovative HVAC Solutions at MCE 2024
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By News Reporter
Company Sets New Records for Second Quarter Revenue and Operating Profit
Through Balanced Qualitative Growth in Core and Future Businesses
SEOUL, July 25, 2024 — LG Electronics Inc. (LG) today announced second-quarter 2024 consolidated revenue of KRW 21.69 trillion and operating profit of KRW 1.20 trillion, reflecting an 8.5 percent year-over-year increase in revenue and a 61.2 percent surge in operating profit. These figures mark new records for the highest second-quarter revenue and operating profit in the company’s history.
Key drivers of this performance include the home appliance and vehicle component sectors, both achieving their highest quarterly revenues to date. Sales from LG’s Home Appliance & Air Solution Company and Vehicle component Solutions Company combined reached KRW 11.53 trillion, up 8.2 percent from the previous year. Both Companies also reported record-high second-quarter operating profits, totaling KRW 776.1 billion, which represents a 45 percent year-over-year increase.
These results highlight LG’s balanced growth across its core and future businesses. This growth demonstrates not only external expansion but also solid profitability, contributing to qualitative improvements in overall performance.
LG continues to transform its business portfolio towards a future-oriented approach, maximizing the potential of existing businesses while securing new growth opportunities. The company is also focused on rapidly advancing high-growth potential new businesses.
The fast growth in LG’s B2B sector significantly contributes to establishing a future-oriented business structure. Despite a temporary slowdown in EV demand, the vehicle component business continues to grow, supported by a diversified client base of electric and internal combustion vehicles and a strong order backlog. Additionally, LG’s heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) business, which includes high-efficiency chillers, is exploring growth opportunities within the AI infrastructure sector.
In the B2C domain, LG is accelerating the integration of new business models that combine traditional hardware sales with intangible, non-hardware offerings such as content, services and subscriptions. The webOS content and services business is expanding beyond TVs into IT and infotainment, with projected revenues set to surpass KRW 1 trillion this year.
Additionally, the subscription business, which merges products with services, is gaining remarkable momentum. After achieving success in Korea, LG is now expanding this subscription model internationally. Last year, subscription revenue exceeded KRW 1 trillion, with growth accelerating this year. In June, 36.2 percent of major home appliances sold at LG Brand Shops in Korea were subscription-based. This model, particularly popular among young Korean customers, is now being introduced to global markets. For example, LG has launched LG Rent-Up in Malaysia, offering subscriptions for nine products, including washing machines, dryers and refrigerators.
LG is also expediting the advancement of new businesses. The smart factory business, which combines the company’s manufacturing expertise with AI, is expected to secure orders worth KRW 300 billion this year, expanding its customer base in industries such as semiconductors and biotechnology. Furthermore, LG’s partnership with ChargePoint, North America’s leading EV charging company, is set to boost the EV charging business by combining ChargePoint’s chargers with LG’s commercial display advertising solutions, ‘LG DOOH Ads,’ creating new market opportunities.
The LG Home Appliance & Air Solution Company generated second-quarter revenue of KRW 8.84 trillion and an operating profit of KRW 694.4 billion. Compared to the same period last year, revenue increased by 11 percent and operating profit by 16 percent, marking the highest revenue for a single quarter and the strongest second-quarter operating profit to date.
In the second quarter, LG’s volume zone strategy – designed to address polarized market demand – proved effective by diversifying its product lineup and pricing to meet growing needs in emerging markets such as Latin America, the Middle East and Africa. Contributions from new business areas, including subscriptions and Online Brand Shop sales, bolstered the strong performance. Looking ahead to the third quarter, LG intends to remain agile in adapting to market shifts and to continue expanding its B2B sectors, particularly HVAC and built-in appliances. The recent acquisition of smart home platform company Athom is expected to create synergies within the home appliance sector. Additionally, LG will leverage its top-tier global manufacturing capabilities to secure robust profitability.
The LG Vehicle component Solutions Company achieved second-quarter revenue of KRW 2.69 trillion and an operating profit of KRW 81.7 billion. Revenue increased by 1 percent year-over-year, and the operating profit turned positive. This quarter’s revenue was the highest for any quarter, and the operating profit was the strongest for a second quarter.
Despite a temporary slowdown in the EV market during this period, LG saw growth by effectively addressing increased demand for premium in-vehicle infotainment products and plans to continue expanding its vehicle components business. This strategy includes increasing sales of premium new products as well as safety and convenience solutions, such as Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, in line with existing order programs.
The LG Home Entertainment Company posted second-quarter revenue of KRW 3.62 trillion and an operating profit of KRW 97 billion. Revenue increased by 15.3 percent compared to the same period last year, driven by a recovery in demand in Europe, a key market for premium OLED TVs. Growth also continued in the webOS content and service business. However, operating profit declined due to increased costs, including rising LCD panel prices.
Overall TV market demand is expected to show modest growth in the third quarter compared to last year, with premium OLED TVs anticipated to outperform the broader market. LG will aim to maintain operational efficiency by minimizing cost burdens, such as rising LCD panel prices, through increased sales of OLED TVs.
The LG Business Solutions Company reported second-quarter revenue of KRW 1.46 trillion and an operating loss of KRW 5.9 billion. Revenue increased by 9.9 percent year-over-year, driven by expanded sales of strategic products such as LED signage, electronic whiteboards and gaming monitors. However, profitability was impacted by cost increases, including LCD panel prices, and ongoing investments in growth areas like EV charging and robotics.
In the third quarter, market growth for premium products such as commercial displays and gaming monitors is expected to continue. The Company will focus on expanding sales of strategic products and improving profitability through efficient resource management.
Earnings Conference and Conference Call
LG Electronics will hold a Korean / English conference call on July 25, 2024, at 16:00 Korea Standard Time (07:00 GMT/UTC). Conference call participants should pre-register online to receive a private PIN. The corresponding presentation file will be available for download at the LG Electronics website before the call.
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By Lleuadwen
Hi, I hope someone can help. I recently bought this TV but can’t find the Art Gallery app that is supposed to be part of the Home Screen. I have searched in apps but only third party art gallery style apps show. What am I missing here?
Thanks
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By News Reporter
Company to Leverage Lighthouse Factory Expertise
to Develop Future-Oriented Business Models
SEOUL, July 18, 2024 — LG Electronics (LG) is advancing its smart factory solutions business by integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and digital transformation (DX) with its extensive 66-year history of manufacturing and production expertise.
The Ultimate Fusion of AI and Manufacturing Capabilities
Earlier this year, LG officially entered the smart factory solutions market. The Production engineering Research Institute (PRI), which has been enhancing production and manufacturing competitiveness for LG Group affiliates, is now extending its expertise to external clients. Services offered include production consulting, development of equipment and operation systems and training for technology personnel.
Despite being in its inaugural year, the business has already achieved significant milestones. PRI anticipates securing orders worth approximately KRW 200 billion from external clients for its smart factory solutions.
Major clients include secondary battery manufacturers, automotive parts manufacturers and logistics companies. LG plans to aggressively expand into industries with rapidly growing factory demand, such as semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology and food and beverage. The goal is to develop the smart factory solutions business into a multi-trillion KRW enterprise by 2030, excluding revenue generated within the LG Group.
According to market research firm
link hidden, please login to view, the global smart factory market is projected to grow from USD 155.61 billion this year to USD 268.46 billion by 2030. 770TB of Manufacturing Data and Over 1,000 Patents
LG has accumulated vast amounts of manufacturing data and know-how through 66 years of factory design, construction and operation. In the past decade alone, the company has amassed 770 terabytes (TB) of manufacturing and production data, equivalent to storing approximately 197,000 high-definition movies (assuming each movie is 4GB). The company’s competitive edge also lies in its various core production technologies essential for smart factory configuration, with PRI filing over 1,000 patents related to smart factory solutions. LG aims to set its smart factory solutions apart by integrating its extensive manufacturing data and expertise with AI and DX, leveraging world-class production technologies. These smart factory solutions encompass production system design, monitoring and operation through Digital Twin technology; big data and generative AI-based management of quality, industrial safety and equipment; and the provision of various industrial robots.
Production Efficiency Directly Linked to Business Profitability
Smart factory solutions focus on minimizing even the briefest delays or minute errors between processes. Since efficiency in production is directly linked to the overall profitability of the business, enhancing it is crucial. For example, at LG’s refrigerator production line in Changwon, a refrigerator is produced every 13 seconds. A 10-minute delay in the production line would result in a production shortfall of 50 refrigerators. Assuming the price of one refrigerator is KRW 2 million, a 10-minute delay translates to a loss of KRW 100 million.
This impact is even more significant for products with faster production speeds.* Therefore, solutions that minimize delays across processes – from the seamless supply of multiple components to assembly, packaging and inspection – are essential.
Comprehensive Production Solutions Covering the Entire Journey
LG approaches the smart factory business not just as unit solutions for specific areas but as comprehensive solutions covering the entire journey for clients, from factory planning to design, construction and operation. Considering the client’s environment and industry characteristics, the company diagnoses existing factories and identifies areas for improvement, establishing a step-by-step roadmap from automation, informationization and intelligence perspectives to maximize investment effectiveness.
Digital Twin Solution for All Value Chain
The production system design and operation solutions leverage real-time simulations using Digital Twin technology. Before the factory is built, a virtual replica identical to the real factory is created, allowing clients to preview the production and logistics flow. This enables optimal efficiency in factory design.
During the operational phase, analyzing real-time data helps detect bottlenecks, defects and malfunctions in the production line in advance, thereby contributing to productivity improvement.
Autonomous Mobile Robots and Collaborative Robots
LG’s various industrial robot solutions for factory automation offer significant advantages. The Autonomous Mobile Robot (AMR) is equipped with cameras, radar and LiDAR sensors to recognize its surroundings and supply parts and materials. It navigates effectively, avoiding workers and obstacles through autonomous driving.
The Mobile Manipulator (MM), which combines a multi-joint robotic arm with an AMR, can automate a range of tasks seamlessly. It is capable of diverse actions such as assembly, defect inspection and transporting parts and materials. Additionally, it can replace the batteries of nearby AMRs when they run low.
Generative AI Solutions for Easy Anomaly Diagnosis
Solutions that assist in managing yield rates and ensuring the smooth operation of equipment are also highly beneficial. Sensors installed throughout the factory detect abnormal signals such as vibrations and noise caused by equipment aging or lack of lubrication. Big data is then used to determine the causes and recommend corrective actions.
Generative AI based on large language models allows for easy use through voice commands. For example, saying “abnormal vibration in equipment A at 2 p.m.” records the abnormal signal on the server. A command like “show recent abnormal vibrations and corrective actions” provides a list of defect types and previous corrective actions in order of likelihood.
Additionally, LG has developed a real-time detection system powered by Vision AI. This system learns the factory’s normal operating conditions and detects anomalies such as temperature fluctuations and defects. It also enhances factory safety management by identifying workers who are not properly wearing safety helmets or work vests.
Expediting the Development of a Future-Oriented Business Model by Harnessing Lighthouse Factory Expertise
LG’s intelligent autonomous factories in Changwon, South Korea, and Tennessee, USA, have been recognized as Lighthouse Factories by the World Economic Forum. Following the implementation of smart factory solutions, productivity at the Changwon plant increased by 17 percent, energy efficiency improved by 30 percent, and quality costs due to defects were reduced by 70 percent. Within the LG Group, production facilities at over 60 locations in 40 regions worldwide are applying solutions from PRI.
Leveraging this internally and externally validated smart factory expertise for business ventures holds significant meaning in terms of commercializing intangible assets. LG is driving a transformation of its business portfolio, which has traditionally focused on production of hardware, by integrating software and solutions into a future-oriented structure. This approach is expected to significantly contribute to the rapid growth of the company’s B2B sector, one of the three key growth drivers in LG’s 2030 Future Vision, especially as it targets numerous external corporate clients.
“We will offer optimal smart factory solutions at every stage – from planning and design to construction and operation – becoming the ideal partner that supports our clients throughout their entire production journey,” said Jeong Dae-hwa, head of LG PRI.
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* Unit for production speed is parts per million (PPM).
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By News Reporter
LG NOVA InnoFest Lights the Halo of Innovation on Bold Ideas and Businesses With
Open Conference Program, Issues a Call for Startups for the Pitch Competition
SAN FRANCISCO, July 16, 2024 — LG Electronics (LG) has opened registration for the fourth annual LG NOVA InnoFest, taking place on September 25-26, at the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco. Hosted by LG NOVA, LG Electronics’ North America Innovation Center, the two-day event will bring together a cross-section of business leaders, innovators and investors across various industries to collaborate on solutions for a better future. This year’s event theme, “Lighting the Halo of Innovation” was designated to inspire attendees to focus on creating change and impact through co-creation and collaboration on bold ideas and businesses.
The event brings back its annual Startup Pitch Competition, where 10 selected startups will compete to win cash prizes, an audience with executive judges and recognition on stage. In this competition, LG is looking for bold startups with great potential, working on innovative ideas that can lead to transformative change in their markets.
LG Electronics’ sister company LG Chem is co-sponsoring this year’s startup pitch competition, adding a new Life Sciences category alongside CleanTech, HealthTech, AI, Smart Life and Open Innovation. The US Business Development team is seeking next-generation technologies that align with LG Chem’s sustainability mission and will sponsor a new “Innovation for Impact Award.”
For more details on each category, visit
link hidden, please login to view. Interested startups can submit their companies for consideration at . In addition to the monetary prizes and on-stage recognition, selected startups may have the opportunity to collaborate with LG to build businesses, participate in LG NOVA-sponsored marketing activities or qualify for investments from LG and its network. According to a 2023 from Boston Consulting Group, 79 percent of companies ranked innovation among their top three priorities and more than 40 percent expect to increase spending significantly. Today, innovation is being driven by a collaborative ecosystem. This interconnected approach, involving startups, corporations, academia and venture capitalists can result in groundbreaking solutions. Innofest seeks to illustrate the capabilities of this model, bringing together startups, investors and members of the innovation community to exchange ideas, encourage, support and discuss how they can all work together to spur “innovation for a better life.”
“Today the responsibility for innovation no longer sits solely with individual companies; collaboration is critical,” said Dr. Sokwoo Rhee, corporate executive vice president for Innovation at LG Electronics and head of LG NOVA. “Through InnoFest, we are bringing together the entire innovation ecosystem, from corporations to growing startups, to discuss creative and cutting-edge ideas that have the potential to shape our future.”
Last year’s gathering brought 90 industry-leading speakers together for 28 sessions focused on topics such as women in tech; balancing growth, profitability and impact; as well as diversity in tech. The event enabled people to join in the discussions on solutions to challenges in these key areas within the innovation community.
This year, according to Rhee, “InnoFest is boldly reimagining its program to be more interactive and engaging through a non-traditional conference format, emphasizing meaningful connections and inspiring conversations.” Attendees can look forward to influential speakers and keynotes, select curated panels and more dynamic discussion-based sessions.
“At LG, we believe in the power of optimism and innovation to change the world,” said Rhee, who invited startups to join LG at InnoFest 2024, “as we strive to create a brighter future together.”
Registration for InnoFest is now open at . Interested in speaking or moderating at the event? Learn more at .
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LG Establishes New Air Solution R&D Lab in Europe, Strengthening HVAC Business Localization StrategyBy News Reporter
New Facility to Focus on Development of Innovative HVAC Solutions
Tailored to Europe’s Diverse Regional Climates
SEOUL, July 15, 2024 — LG Electronics (LG) is establishing a new Air Solution Research and Development (R&D) Lab in Frankfurt, Germany. The state-of-the-art facility will join existing LG Air Solution Labs in Changwon, South Korea; and Atlanta, Georgia, USA, to form a global R&D triangle.
The new 10,000-square-foot lab will focus primarily on developing high-efficiency heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) solutions for Europe’s varied local climates. Research and testing will be carried out on a wide range of residential and light commercial HVAC systems, including heat pumps, energy monitoring systems and energy management platforms. Through executing an extensive, locally-focused R&D program, the Frankfurt lab will reinforce LG’s ability to provide HVAC solutions tailored for the European market.
Additionally, the new lab will collaborate with the company’s recently launched European Consortium for Advanced Heat Pump Research to develop heat pumps that can reliably deliver top-tier heating performance during Northern Europe’s harsh winters. To strengthen the capabilities of its European HVAC business, LG plans to nurture and actively recruit local talent in fields such as heat pump design and smart home technology.
A major focus for LG, the European HVAC market is expected to see significant growth in the coming years due to the European Union’s (EU) far-reaching energy policies. These include the REPowerEU* plan, which aims to reduce energy consumption, diversify energy supply, expand renewable energy sources and decrease dependence on fossil fuels by 2030. Moreover, the EU-led Green Deal policy targets significant reductions in carbon emissions by 2030, with further reductions by 2040, to achieve a carbon-neutral society by 2050.
The EU’s energy policies have significantly increased the demand for high-efficiency electrical products, particularly high-efficiency heat pump heating and cooling systems. These systems offer reduced carbon emissions compared to conventional fossil-fuel-driven solutions.
LG’s HVAC solutions, including ultra-efficient heat pumps, are highly competitive due to the company’s advanced core component technology, or core tech. LG develops and manufactures key components such as compressors and motors, essential for air conditioning products and a variety of other appliances. The company also proactively invests in R&D to continuously enhance its industry-leading technologies, including heat exchangers, inverters and heat pumps.
To drive B2B growth and increase management efficacy, LG’s HVAC business is developing a comprehensive local system encompassing all operational areas, from R&D and sales to maintenance and customer service. As part of this initiative, LG has expanded its network of HVAC academies to 62 locations in 43 countries across North America, Latin America, Europe and Asia, training over 30,000 HVAC engineers annually.
“Along with developing differentiated HVAC solutions tailored to Europe’s regional climates, our new Air Solution R&D Lab in Frankfurt will support our ongoing global efforts in decarbonization and electrification,” said James Lee, head of the Air Solution Business Unit at LG Electronics Home Appliance & Air Solution Company. “LG will continue to strengthen its HVAC leadership in Europe and globally.”
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* The EU’s REPowerEU plan has decreased gas consumption by 18 percent, and dependence on Russian fossil fuels has dropped from 45 percent in 2021 to 15 percent in 2023. ( link hidden, please login to view)
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