BENTON HARBOR, Mich. — Whirlpool Corporation is making a $300 million investment in its U.S. laundry manufacturing facilities, one in a series of strategic commitments by the company to grow its American manufacturing footprint.
The investment is expected to create between 400 and 600 new jobs across the company’s operations in Clyde and Marion, Ohio, positioning it for increased production of its next generation of washers and dryers, while also supporting roughly 5,000 additional jobs outside the company.
Founded in the United States more than 110 years ago, Whirlpool says it maintains the largest U.S. manufacturing operations in the home appliance industry, and this investment reinforces that legacy.
“Whirlpool Corp.’s unwavering commitment to American manufacturing is a cornerstone of our identity,” says Chairman/CEO Marc Bitzer. “This $300 million investment in our Clyde and Marion facilities underscores our dedication to creating jobs, fostering innovation, and delivering high-quality, American-made appliances to U.S. consumers.”
The Clyde manufacturing facility, in operation since 1952, is the largest washing machine plant in the world, Whirlpool says. The Marion dryer factory celebrated its 70th anniversary in September.
“This investment reflects Whirlpool Corporation’s ongoing commitment to the people and products that support our Commercial Laundry business,” says Michael Ledford, senior director and general manager for Commercial Laundry, “along with the reliability and performance our distributors and end users count on.”
Whirlpool says that in the past decade, it has invested $6 billion in U.S. capital expenditures, R&D and new product development, as part of $23 billion in total spent on U.S. operations, logistics and workforce.
It employs 20,000 employees in the U.S., including over 14,000 at its 10 manufacturing plants.
“From the factory floor to design labs to distribution centers, our people are the foundation of everything we build,” says Kristin Day, vice president of U.S. Manufacturing. “We are proud to reinforce our commitment to the communities and plants where generations have not only built appliances but careers, families and futures.”
Financial assistance from JobsOhio and tax credits from the State of Ohio will support continued investments in workforce development and Whirlpool’s Clyde and Marion operations. The investments are subject to final approval of the financial assistance.
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