Haier announces Poland factory deal

Haier Group, China's largest appliance maker, announced on Friday that it will co-establish a refrigerator production factory in Poland with Fagor, the fifth-largest white goods manufacturer in Europe.

The investment will reach 56 million euros ($73.5 million), and Haier will hold a 51 percent stake in the joint venture while Fagor holds 49 percent.

The new plant will go into operation next June. Its annual production capacity is forecast to reach 500,000 units, and is set to rise to 1 million units within five years.

The cooperation agreement will considerably strengthen Haier's footprint in Europe. Currently, the industry giant has a research and development center in Germany. Its European headquarters is located in France along with the marketing center, and it has a production center in Italy.

Last year, Haier's global revenue grossed $25.8 billion, and profits of $1.42 billion, according to data provided by consultancy firm Euromonitor International.