LG unveils new Buffalo Grove center
LG Electronics USA, which has its Midwest headquarters in Lincolnshire, opened its research-and-development center in Buffalo Grove today, paving the way for more high-tech appliances for your home.
The $6.5 million, 30,770-square-foot facility will house about 40 workers — with room for growth over the next 18 months. This is the company's first North American R&D center, which will conduct quality tests on home appliances, including wash machines, dryers, refrigerators, vacuums, ranges and dishwashers.
“The Chicago area traditionally has been a very strong place for the appliance industry,” said Wayne Park, chief executive officer of LG Electronics North America, based in Englewood Cliffs, N.J.
The Korean native stopped in Buffalo Grove for the center's ribbon-cutting event, welcoming a new era of home-related technology. State and local officials were joined by U.S. Congressman Robert Dold, a Kenilworth Republican.
They toured the center, including the Consumer Insights Lab, which features a residential kitchen, laundry room and living room, designed to provide consumers with hands-on experiences using LG appliances. A field focus group discussion area will let consumers share their reactions to the appliances.
The second floor houses a video studio, where video content is created for consumers and service technicians. Videos include product and cooking demonstrations and lifestyle hints conducted by LG home economists and customer support technicians. The video series will be available on LG's website in coming weeks.
The center's offices and administrative facilities also are on the second floor.
Park said the Buffalo Grove center has room for growth, which will depend on the economy and the appliance market nationwide. LG has no plans to include its wireless phone operations here, he said.
LG has about 150 workers in Lincolnshire, which is a focal point for high-definition television sets, especially those supplied to hotels, and includes the Zenith Laboratories, which LG acquired about 10 years ago, that produces next-generation TV technology.