Gorenje

In 1950, Gorenje was established by Ivan Atelšek in a village Gorenje. Initially the company manufactured agricultural machinery. In 1958, Gorenje started producing solid-fuel cookers. In 1960, the company was relocated to the nearby town of Velenje. In 1961, Gorenje exported the first 200 cookers to Germany.

In 1965, Gorenje started producing washing machines under the license from Zanussi. The first washing machine was PS 270 (a re-badge of Zanussi's eponymous 1964 Rex Superautomatic Mod. 270). A total of 10,886 units were produced until the end of 1966. A follow-up model, PS 275 (a re-badge of Zanussi's 1966 Rex T4), was launched in 1967. The first two models were only assembled in Velenje, as all parts and components came from Italy. Other well-known models include PS603,PS613 PS652, PS653, PS653BIO,PS653R (with water tank) and PS663 launched in 1968. In 1969, the production of refrigerators was launched.

During the 1970s, the product range was expanded to kitchen units, ceramics, medical equipment, telecommunications devices, TV sets and other electrical goods. Gorenje continued its expansion and employed over 20,000 people during the 1970s. It also began establishing a distribution and sales network in Western Europe (Germany, Austria, France, Denmark and Italy) and Australia.

In 1980s, Gorenje narrowed its focus on production of domestic appliances. Also, the UK and the USA are added to the export market network during the 1980s. 1987 the New Line product line is launched.

From 1991 to 1996, Gorenje continued to expand its distribution and sales network in Eastern Europe. In 1997, Gorenje became a publicly traded joint stock company.

In 2000, the first appliances collection designed by the Italian design studio Pininfarina is launched. In 2004, a new laundry range launched featuring a model (WA65205) with a touchscreen control panel, electric door opener, electric detergent drawer, and the first washing machine with, as of 2021 still, the world's fastest spin speed: 2000 RPM.

In 2005, Gorenje took over the Czech manufacturer of kitchen ranges Mora Moravia.

In 2006, several new facilities were opened. A new refrigerator and freezer plant was opened in Valjevo, a water heater and radiator plant is opened in Stara Pazova (Serbia).

Also, the second collection of household appliances Gorenje Pininfarina, designed by the Italian designer studio Pininfarina, was launched. The fridge freezer made with CRYSTALLIZEDTM - Swarovski Elements was launched. Also, the cooperation with the French star designer Ora-Ïto was announced.

In 2007, the Gorenje Ora-Ïto Collection is launched in Istanbul. The first Gorenje Pink Oldtimer is sold at the charity auction for raising money in a campaign cancer.

In 2008, Gorenje continued its cooperation with Pininfarina and launches the Gorenje Pininfarina Black collection. The top-notch Dutch provider of white goods ATAG was acquired. Also, Gorenje took part at the Internationale Funkausstellung Berlin fair in Berlin, unveiling its innovative fridge-freezer Gorenje "Made for iPod." The Gorenje Ora-Ïto White collection of appliances was launched.

In 2009, Gorenje participates at the Milan Design Week presenting Mini hot plate Mrs. Dalloway, Gorenje designed by Nika Zupanc.

In 2010, Gorenje took over Swedish appliance manufacturer Asko Appliances.

In 2013, Gorenje sold a 13% stake in the firm to Japanese powerhouse Panasonic for around €10 million.[5]

In June 2018, the Chinese company Hisense became the majority shareholder in Gorenje Group with 95.42%.[3] A total of 5,165 shareholders accepted the takeover bid of 12 euros per share, which valued the company at 293 million euros.[4]