As Europe continues to be battered by record-breaking heatwaves, companies producing cooling appliances in the Changwon National Industrial Complex and the Masan Free Trade Zone in Gyeongsangnam-do are working around the clock to meet the surging export demand.

According to industry reports as of yesterday (July 13), LG Electronics saw double-digit growth in sales of its residential and commercial air conditioners in Western Europe and other regions last month compared to the same period last year.

This figure represents a significant increase even when compared to June of last year, when many European countries suffered from extreme heat, with some reports claiming the heat was enough to "melt the Eiffel Tower."

Sales have been particularly robust in France and Spain, which have been hit hardest by the heatwaves.

While specific sales figures remain undisclosed for business reasons, industry insiders report that local demand is explosive.

Although LG Electronics produces most of its air conditioners for the European market at its plants in China and Türkiye, the Changwon plant within the Changwon National Industrial Complex is also operating at full capacity to keep up with the influx of orders.

Since completing line maintenance in April, the LG Electronics Changwon plant has been running its air conditioner production lines for approximately 10 hours a day, including two hours of overtime, effectively operating at full capacity.

The peak season for air conditioners, driven by increased demand both domestically and internationally, is expected to continue until early August.

The company's strategy of prioritizing wall-mounted models—which are overwhelmingly preferred in the European market, unlike the stand-type units favored in Asia—has proven successful.

Furthermore, in consideration of strict local building regulations, the company has introduced portable air conditioners that require minimal installation and do not damage building exteriors, which have been well-received by customers.

Small and medium-sized enterprises in the Changwon region are also making their mark in the industrial air conditioner market.

Weltem, located in the Masan Free Trade Zone, is also enjoying a boom in the European market.

Weltem, which produces portable industrial air conditioners primarily used in factories and logistics warehouses, saw sales to major existing clients in the UK and other regions increase by approximately 15 to 20 percent last month compared to the same month last year.

The company has been building brand recognition by consistently participating in European trade shows, including those in Germany, since the early 2000s. Industry experts suggest that the recent intensification of heatwaves in the region has highlighted the unique convenience of their portable air conditioners.

To meet the rising demand, the company has been operating its factory at maximum capacity since early March, producing approximately 500 portable air conditioner units per day.

Officials from LG Electronics and Weltem explained, "Europe is known for having some of the strictest greenhouse gas and refrigerant regulations in the world due to its emphasis on carbon neutrality policies. Beyond our technical capabilities, the use of eco-friendly refrigerants has played a major role in penetrating the European market."

An industry official stated, "While air conditioner sales are increasing in other global regions due to seasonal factors, the explosive demand in the European market caused by climate change is the most prominent. This is becoming a new opportunity for market expansion for South Korean companies equipped with eco-friendly, high-efficiency technologies."

(Photo: Provided by LG Electronics, Yonhap News)