Owner De'Longhi Introduced 1947 Tagline Create More Headquarters Havant, United Kingdom CEO Mark Welch (Mar 2010–) | Country United Kingdom Markets International Website Official website Founder Ken Wood Product type Small appliance | |
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Founded 1947, Woking, United Kingdom Parent organizations De'Longhi, De'Longhi Holding S.A. Profiles | ||
Kenwood is a kitchen appliances manufacturer, operating in 44 countries. It is owned by the De’Longhi Group. Kenwood designs, produces and sells kitchen appliances including stand mixers, blenders, food processors, kettles and toasters.
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The company was founded by Kenneth Maynard Wood in 1947 in the town of Woking, originally beginning manufacturing in his garage. In 1962 the company moved to Havant where they currently maintain operations.
History
1940s
The first Kenwood product was a toaster invented by Kenneth Wood, which was brought to market in 1947, known as the A100.
1950s-1960s
Three years later in 1950, the first version of the Kenwood Chef Kitchen machine was launched at the Ideal Home Exhibition.
1970s-1980s
The company’s first food processor was launched in 1979. In 1989, the business invested in its first factory in China.
1990s-the present
In 1997, at the age of 81, Kenneth Wood died following a short illness.
In 2001, Italian rival small appliance maker De'Longhi bought the Kenwood company - and its factory in China - for £45.9 million (about $66.7 million).
The Kenwood Chef's original designer, Kenneth Grange, was knighted in 2013 for his services to design.
Products
Kenwood’s products include the following categories:
• Kitchen machines
• Food and drink preparation (Food processors, blenders, juicers)
• Breakfast (Kettles, toasters, coffee makers)