Daewoo refrigerators are made by Winia Electronics, the South Korean company formerly known as Daewoo Electronics, which continues to manufacture refrigerators and other appliances under the Daewoo name in various markets.
Daewoo Electronics went through significant ownership changes after South Koreas 1999 financial crisis, eventually being renamed Winia Electronics after Winia Group acquired the business in March 2018.
The Daewoo brand name is still used on refrigerators in many international markets, even though the parent company today operates under the Winia name in its home country of South Korea, as detailed by Winia.
Daewoo Electronics also historically supplied refrigerators to other retail brands, including serving as one of the manufacturing partners behind certain Kenmore refrigerator models sold in the United States.
| Manufacturer | Winia Electronics (formerly Daewoo Electronics) |
| Ownership Change | Renamed after Winia Group acquisition, March 2018 |
| Country of Origin | South Korea |
| Production Sites | More than 64 sites across 40+ countries |
| Related Brands | Winia, Daewoo |
| Notable Partnership | Historic supplier for select Kenmore refrigerator models |
Table of Contents
Who Owns the Daewoo Brand Today?
The Daewoo Electronics business is now owned and operated by Winia Group, which acquired the company from DB Group in March 2018 and renamed it Winia Electronics.
Before that, DB Group had owned Daewoo Electronics since acquiring it in January 2013 for approximately 270 million dollars, following the companys creditor controlled period after the 1999 Asian financial crisis.
Despite the corporate renaming to Winia, the Daewoo trademark continues to be used on refrigerators and appliances sold in a number of international markets.
Where Are Daewoo Refrigerators Made?
Daewoo and Winia branded refrigerators are manufactured across a large global production network, with the company operating more than sixty four production sites, research centers, and sales offices in over forty countries.
This global manufacturing footprint allows the company to supply both its own branded refrigerators and contracted products for other retail brands in different regions.
Is Daewoo the Same Company as Winia?
Yes. Winia Electronics is the current legal name of the company formerly known as Daewoo Electronics, following its 2018 acquisition and rebranding by Winia Group.
The Daewoo name remains in use commercially in certain markets even though the parent corporate entity now operates under the Winia name.
Did Daewoo Ever Make Kenmore Refrigerators?
Yes, Daewoo Electronics has historically been named among the manufacturing partners behind certain Kenmore refrigerator models sold in the United States, alongside companies like LG and Whirlpool.
This kind of manufacturing partnership was common for large retail brands like Kenmore that source products from multiple outside companies rather than owning their own factories.
Is Daewoo Really Good or Worth It?
Daewoo and Winia refrigerators are generally positioned as value oriented products, competing on price against other budget and mid range international appliance brands.
Because the company operates a large global manufacturing network, build quality can vary somewhat depending on the specific production facility and target market for a given model.
In markets where Daewoo maintains strong brand recognition, the refrigerators generally receive reasonable reviews for reliability relative to their price point.
For buyers in regions where Daewoo or Winia products are actively supported with parts and service, the brand can represent solid value at a competitive price.
Daewoo Warranty and Customer Support
Daewoo and Winia refrigerator warranties vary by region and product line, so buyers should confirm coverage terms with their local retailer or distributor.
Customer support availability also varies significantly by market, since the company distribution and service network differs from country to country.
Where Can You Buy Daewoo Refrigerators?
Daewoo branded refrigerators are sold through regional distributors and retailers, with availability varying significantly depending on the country and local market presence.
For more on a brand that has historically used Daewoo as a manufacturing partner, see Who Makes Kenmore Refrigerator, and for another import focused appliance brand, see Who Makes RCA Appliances.
How Did Daewoo Become Winia?
Daewoo Electronics traces back to the broader Daewoo Group, one of South Koreas largest business conglomerates before it collapsed following the 1999 Asian financial crisis.
After the collapse, creditor groups took control of Daewoo Electronics, leading to a long period of restructuring before DB Group purchased the company in 2013.
Winia Group, formerly known as Dayou Group, then acquired Daewoo Electronics from DB Group in March 2018, eventually renaming the business Winia Electronics.
This series of ownership changes explains why the Daewoo name persists commercially in some markets even though the current parent company legally operates under a different name.
Shoppers looking at a Daewoo or Winia refrigerator should confirm which specific entity backs the warranty in their region, since coverage and service availability can differ meaningfully between markets.
Checking recent local reviews is especially useful for this brand, since production quality and after sales support can vary more by region than with manufacturers that concentrate on a single home market.
Overall, the Daewoo name carries real manufacturing history behind it, even though todays buyers are effectively purchasing a Winia Electronics product wearing an older, more familiar brand name.
Buyers who value brand consistency and predictable service may prefer manufacturers with a single unified global identity, while those comfortable navigating a more complex ownership history can still find good value under the Daewoo name.
Confirming import and certification details before purchase is also worthwhile in markets where Daewoo products are sold through smaller regional distributors rather than large national retail chains.
Reviewing the specific model warranty card at time of purchase remains the most reliable way to know exactly what support is available.
Frequently Asked Questions About Daewoo Refrigerators
Who makes Daewoo refrigerators?
Winia Electronics, formerly known as Daewoo Electronics, manufactures Daewoo branded refrigerators today.
Is Daewoo still in business?
Yes, the company continues operating under the name Winia Electronics after its 2018 acquisition by Winia Group, though the Daewoo brand name is still used in some markets.
Is Daewoo the same as Winia?
Yes, Winia Electronics is the renamed continuation of the original Daewoo Electronics company following its acquisition by Winia Group in 2018.
Did Daewoo make appliances for other brands?
Yes, Daewoo Electronics has served as a manufacturing partner for other retail appliance brands, including certain Kenmore refrigerator models sold in the United States. More background is available on Wikipedia and from the Korea Herald.
I am Jack Neel, a mechanical engineer, researcher, and writer. I created this website to share my knowledge about different brands and products with you. I research the manufacturers behind the brands and provide you with the information you need to make smart buying decisions.