Philco Washing Machine

Philco, originally known as the Philadelphia Storage Battery Company, was founded in 1892 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The company initially focused on battery production and later expanded into consumer electronics, becoming a pioneer in radio and television manufacturing. In 1961, Philco was acquired by Ford Motor Company, and in 1966, the brand was renamed 'Philco-Ford'. Ford sold the company to GTE in 1974, and it was purchased by Philips in 1981. Philips retained ownership of the Philco brand in North America, while licensing the brand for use in other global markets. In 1988, Electrolux acquired the rights to the Philco brand for international markets, including Europe and Latin America. As of 2025, Electrolux continues to produce Philco-branded appliances, such as washing machines, primarily in South America, focusing on energy-efficient models tailored to regional needs. In North America, the Philco brand is owned by Philips but is no longer used for new consumer products, with the brand's legacy primarily preserved in vintage electronics and collector markets.