The Westinghouse people aren't so nice!!

[automagic]

Hey everyone,
I just thought I would share the email that I got from Westinghouse.. The first part is what I wrote to them, the Second part if the response... Is it just me or do you think it's a little chilly?
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What I wrote:
First of all I just have to say Wow!!! Thank you for bring back the slogan. I'm a 22 year old marketing student, I love advertising of the 50's and 60's. Now Westinghouse needs to start doing tv spots, with a new updated version a Betty Furness...someone who is Young, attractive, male...Someone who really knows the meaning of "You can be SURE if it's Westinghouse". Hint Hint!!

Anyway, I was wondering if you have any intention on bring back the Laundromat? I saw an article that stated that, Westinghouse renewed the copyright on the word Laundromat. I would be great to have a new updated version of the Program Computer Laundromat, in stores, of course it would have to have a slant front design, which is also a Westinghouse trademark.
**********
Response:

Dear Donald:

During the 1980's and 1990's, Westinghouse Electric Corporation sold all its industrial assets and focused on its media businesses. In 1997, Westinghouse was renamed CBS Corporation and in 2000 merged with Viacom Inc. (a media company). Westinghouse is a subsidiary of Viacom and licensor of the Westinghouse name and trademark for consumer products. Westinghouse Electric Corporation manufactures no products. All Westinghouse products are manufactured and sold by licensees.


In 1974, the Westinghouse major appliance business was sold to White Consolidated Industries and the brand became "White-Westinghouse." Around 2001, White Consolidated was acquired by Electrolux Home Products (phone 888-203-1389). Electrolux manufactures White-Westinghouse and Westinghouse major appliances. Electrolux is the owner of the Laundromat trademark.


Viacom has no information or products remaining from the historical Westinghouse businesses.

Marie

Viacom Inc.

 

[westytoploader]

What a shame! It's not that Westinghouse isn't capable capable of producing the Laundromat (in fact they seem quite capable), they're not INTERESTED in producing the Laundromat! I myself would like to see the old-style Westinghouse TL again as well. They would get much more business that way in my opinion!

The people at Electrolux that you dealt with certainly are Grade-A A****les! Yikes!

 

[westytoploader]

I meant the people at Viacom...but Electrolux is more than capable of producing the Laundromat!

 

[petek]

Not really

I don't find it chilly, just matter of fact. Are you going to resend it to Electrolux?

 

[appnut]

I agree with PeteK, was pretty nice response.

 

[automagic]

Are you going to resend it to Electrolux?

That's what I confused on, because I went to westinghouse.com and sent this email via their questions and comments section. I had no idea that this was going to end up at Viacom. If you go to Electrolux.co you can't find Westinghouse anywhere!!!

 

[DADoES]

It's all about licensing of brand names. Viacom is, of course, a HUGE entertainment company . . plus whatever else they have their hands into.

 

[rinso]

Sounds to me like there ARE no Westinghouse people. Ya gotta love mergers and acquisitions. In fact there is a rumor circulating that Madonna, Inc. is planning a hostile takeover of Whitney Houston.

 

[kenmore1978]

Licensing

This confirms what I suspected all along, Viacom owns the rights to the Westinghouse name and licenses companies to use it on various products.

 

[westytoploader]

What will be next, WestiNickelodeon?

OY...

 

[launderess]

One has to understand that Westinghouse like other vintage applinace makers ceased to produce much of the appliances we cravel long before being sold off. Maytag owns Hoover but trying calling Maytag's customer serivce/parts/obsolete parts department and asking about Hoover twin tubs;,or for that matter any of the other small appliances made by Hoover.

Sure current owners may "own" the rights and patents, but they are probaly buried deep in some archive somewhere (if at all), and certianly NOT going to see the light of day much less production anytime soon.

Consider the current biddng war for Maytag, one of the last major appliance makers not gobbled up. Think about all those patents and laundry technology owned by Maytag and what is going to happen if the wrong hands get the company.

Launderess

 

[mrb627]

Send Electrolux a hint.

I would send a hint down to Electrolux that what was old is now new again. Take the current FL designed machine and put it in a retro slant fron cabinet. Take a few of the retro colors, slap on a little chrome for looks and ka-blam, you have a retro style washing machine...

MRB

 

[alr2903]

IMHO Electrolux has the Hint/ make sxs's in Mexico

Greenville Michigan is losing 2,700 jobs, with the first 800 to get pink slips in September.It is a side x side refrigerator factory. Relocating...South of the border. The USA today article was in the 07-13-05 paper. IIRC. I always feel bad when I see news of Job loss..The article also mentioned Electrolux plans to Cease their operations in India.

 

[jdinstl]

In other words...

Quote: "Westinghouse Electric Corporation manufactures no products. All Westinghouse products are manufactured and sold by licensees. "

In other words -- You CAN'T be sure if it's Westinghouse?

Give me the old days, where the people who made it put their name on it!

John

 

[jetcone]

Sounds Good

I think it was a very nice response and they gave you alot of information that I had been wondering about.

IT would be fun to see the new big tub Electrolux as Westinghouseized machine wouldn't it??

Jet