Whirlpool Corporation on September 2 announced plans to build an approximately 1 million square foot manufacturing facility for built-in, premium cooking products in Cleveland, Tenn. The new operation will support the company's commitment to delivering the world's most innovative cooking products, and the energy efficient, LEED-certified facility will replace the existing, 100-year old manufacturing plant located at 740 King Edward Avenue, South East. A 400,000-square-foot distribution center is also planned. Whirlpool will invest $120 million in the new facility, and expects to add approximately 130 new jobs to its 1500 Cleveland employees. Construction is slated to begin in the fourth quarter of 2010.
"The new, premium cooking center of excellence that we will be building in Cleveland is evidence of our commitment to consumers and our confidence in the U.S. market," said Marc Bitzer, president, Whirlpool Corporation North America.
"We're grateful to our team in Cleveland, as well as the local, state and federal officials, who supported this project to retain and grow jobs in Tennessee," said Al Holaday, vice president manufacturing, operations and quality, Whirlpool North America. "Whirlpool is proud to employ more U.S. manufacturing workers than any appliance maker selling product in the U.S."
In addition to the announcement of the new cooking facility in Cleveland, Whirlpool cited recent investment in its U.S. operations:
- Announcement of a new $85 million office campus and renovation of some of its facilities in headquarters location in Benton Harbor, Mich;
- Acquisition of the former WC Wood facility in Ottawa, Ohio, adding 190 jobs and bringing total employment in the State of Ohio to approximately 10,000, making it the largest manufacturing center for appliances in the United States;
- A $175 million investment in the company's laundry facilities in Ohio, which will produce the most energy and water efficient laundry products ever made;
- A $20 million investment in its Amana, Iowa refrigeration plant to drive improved productivity and efficiency;
- The announcement of a new $40 million, one million square foot regional distribution center in Wilmer, Texas, which will be energy efficient, LEED certified and help drive increased efficiencies for the organization.
"Whirlpool continues to invest in our US-based manufacturing footprint. We have a strong commitment that this is an excellent place to invest and create value for both our customers and our shareholders. In 2010, a year of continued, significant economic challenge, Whirlpool continues to invest in innovation, our employees, and the infrastructure needed to ensure we continue to lead the industry with truly innovative products that meet the changing needs of consumers," said Jeff M. Fettig, chairman and chief executive officer, Whirlpool Corporation. "Today's announcement for $120M in Cleveland Tennessee is the largest single investment we've ever made anywhere in the world and reinforces our commitment to the competitiveness of U.S. manufacturing."
About Whirlpool Corporation
Whirlpool Corporation is the world's leading manufacturer and marketer of major home appliances, with annual sales of approximately $17 billion in 2009, 67,000 employees, and 67 manufacturing and technology research centers around the world. The company markets Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid, Jenn-Air, Amana, Brastemp, Consul, Bauknecht and other major brand names to consumers in nearly every country around the world.
