Our participation at Appliance & Electronics World Expo (AWE) 2026 marked an important milestone, our tenth consecutive year at the exhibition, and gave us a valuable platform to engage with customers, partners, and industry stakeholders within the appliance segment.
Strong engagement driven by evolving compressor demands
Throughout the four-day event, we experienced strong and consistent engagement in our booth, particularly from compressor manufacturers. Our discussions focused on shared industry priorities: improving energy efficiency,reducing noise levels, and enabling more compact designs, without compromising durability.
At the same time, we see increasing demands on material reliability and long-term performance as applications become more advanced. This reinforces the importance of materials engineered for high fatigue resistance and stability over time.
Visualizing performance at the micro level - The Microscope Experience
One of the highlights in our booth was the interactive Microscope Experience. Here, visitors explored the microstructure of valve steel and saw how grain structure directly impacts fatigue strength and component lifetime.
By making these relationships visible, we demonstrated how metallurgical precision translates into real customer value, supporting quieter operation, longer service life, and improved energy efficiency in compressors for refrigeration, air conditioning, and heat pump applications.
Strong interest in advanced valve steels
Our portfolio of compressor valve steels was very well received. Freeflex® Versa attracted strong interest for next-generation refrigeration compressors, thanks to its combination of high strength and excellent fatigue performance.
Freeflex® Core continues to hold a strong position. Customers highlighted its proven performance and thermal stability in demanding applications.
Insights into European market expectations
As part of the technical seminar program, we shared insights into European consumer expectations and market dynamics. In a recorded presentation, Remco Jongen, Global Segment Manager, provided his perspective based on his experience installing a heat pump in the Netherlands.
He highlighted key decision factors such as return on investment, energy efficiency, noise levels, and an increasing openness to new brands, including emerging Chinese manufacturers.
The seminar was delivered on-site with live translation, ensuring clarity and relevance for local manufacturers aiming to expand into the European market.
Sustainability and material innovation in focus
Sustainability was a central theme throughout the event. We demonstrated how material innovation contributes to a more sustainable appliance industry—overing the entire value chain from melting to finished product.
Our focus included enabling higher energy efficiency in compressors and supporting recyclable design principles, helping manufacturers meet both regulatory requirements and customer expectations.
Expanding our R&D capabilities in China
During AWE 2026, we also announced a significant investment: a new laboratory facility at our Strip R&D Application Center in Zhenjiang, scheduled to be operational by the end of 2026.
This expansion will strengthen our capabilities in material analysis, fatigue testing, and application development, while enabling faster and more comprehensive technical support for customers in China and globally.
The investment reflects our long-term commitment to the Chinese market and our ambition to drive innovation through close collaboration with local partners.
A trusted partner for the global appliance industry
Our presence at AWE 2026 reinforces our role as a trusted partner to the global appliance industry.
By combining deep metallurgical expertise with close customer collaboration and continuous innovation, we support the development of more efficient, durable, and sustainable appliance solutions.
Learn more about our Compressor valve steel portfolio: Compressor valve steel — Alleima