BENTON HARBOR, Mich. — Whirlpool Corp. announced changes to its North American manufacturing operations, including the closure of its machining facility here, eliminating 216 jobs by early 2011.The company's newest laundry products will be manufactured at the Clyde, Ohio, facility.The announcement follows a comprehensive review of asset utilization of the company’s laundry manufacturing facilities.“Whirlpool Corporation’s newest laundry platforms are the most energy- and water-efficient we’ve ever produced and these products utilize new and fewer parts,” says Al Holaday, vice president, manufacturing operations, North American region. “New innovations have eliminated many of the traditional components produced at the Benton Harbor facility. The new streamlined internal components will be machined at the Clyde Division.”“Closing a facility is a difficult decision,” Holaday adds. “We are announcing this several months in advance as part of our commitment to make the transaction as smooth as possible. We plan to work closely with the local Michigan Works office to assure assistance for these highly skilled and capable individuals to find employment in the local area.”Whirlpool has 67,000 employees, and 67 manufacturing and technology research centers around the world.
Have a question or comment? E-mail our editor Bruce Beggs at [email protected].