Founded in 1911 by Louis Upton as Upton Machine Company. First major customer was Federal Electric, later acquired by Sears. Renamed to Whirlpool Corporation in 1949. Acquired Seeger Refrigerator and RCA in 1955
UL certification verifies product safety and meets specific criteria. UL certification is voluntary but often required for marketplaces. UL Certified Mark bundles multiple certifications into single global mark
GOST certification confirms products meet Russian quality and safety requirements. Gosstandard established in USSR in 1925, later replaced by Russian standards. Certificates valid for up to 3 years within Russian territory. New directive 2425 entered force on September 1, 2022
Brand Registry helps protect intellectual property and manage listings. 10% back on first $50,000 in branded sales, then 5% through first year. $200 credit for Amazon Vine. More than 99% of blocked listings found by Brand Registry's controls in 2023
FMEA identifies and mitigates risks from system or process failures. Three types: Design, Process, and System FMEA. Michael Anleitner emphasizes importance of appropriate scope
GCC certifies product compliance with CPSC safety rules in the United States. Required for products entering the US market and for import shipments. Ensures product safety and consumer protection