GE Announces Largest Laundry Launch in 20 Years
August 18 2015 - 9:30AM
Business Wire
- GE Appliances unveils $100-plus million
washer investment at Louisville, Ky. laundry plant
GE (NYSE:GE) announced today an investment of $100-plus million
in a new topload washer design and expanded manufacturing
capability at its laundry plant in Louisville. This marks the
largest laundry launch for GE in 20 years and is another example of
the company’s continued commitment to U.S. manufacturing.
This Smart News Release features multimedia.
View the full release here:
http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20150818005753/en/
Team member Brad Tingle secures the tub
cover on the new GE topload washers made in Louisville, Kentucky.
(Photo: GE)
“While frontload washers have surged in popularity the last
decade, the traditional topload washer is 75 percent of washer
sales and remains the most popular style of washer in the U.S.
today,” said Peter Pepe, general manager for clothes care at GE
Appliances. “Our investment in a new topload washer platform meets
new energy standards and strengthens our core laundry line with
industry-leading products for our customers.”
Lean factory design
The Louisville factory was redesigned using Lean manufacturing
principles. From the ergonomically designed employee workstations
to the minimal times parts are handled throughout the process, the
revamped manufacturing space is one of GE Appliances most efficient
ever.
To serve customers better, the plant has improved their
flexibility and productivity by implementing pattern scheduling to
produce a richer mix of models. “Think of jelly beans,” said
Michael Land, quality leader for the program. “Instead of having to
make 500 blue jelly beans and then 500 of green, our new process
allows us to make two green, one red, two blue and so on, so we can
quickly and efficiently respond to customer demand with the washer
model they need.”
A focus on manufacturing capability is paying dividends. “Our
laundry team is performing very well,” said Pepe. “The factory
ramp-up of our new washer line is ahead of schedule thanks to the
successful execution of our salaried and hourly employees who have
worked hard on this launch.”
Best in class
While it may remind you of your mom’s washer, GE has enhanced
its traditional agitator washers to give consumers more control
over their cycles while improving energy efficiency, technology and
machine aesthetics.
- The new washer boasts the largest
ENERGY STAR®-rated model with an agitator on the market at 4.2 cu.
ft., offering a unique combination of capacity and efficiency.
- The washer boasts high-performance
settings and specialty cycles to treat stains and help consumers
clean their dirtiest clothes.
- The new GE washers offer water
flexibility while maintaining energy efficiency standards.
Consumers can choose Extra Rinse or Deep Fill options for
particularly tough loads, or use Precise Fill technology to fill
with the right amount of water for typical washing.
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter or check out our website
for more information
Friend GE Appliances on Facebook to view how-to videos, learn
about new GE appliances and join in the discussion with other GE
appliance owners. Join today and follow @GE_Appliances on Twitter
or just locate detailed information about our products at
geappliances.com.
GE Appliances
GE Appliances is at the forefront of building innovative,
energy-efficient appliances that improve people’s lives. GE
Appliances’ products include refrigerators, freezers, cooking
products, dishwashers, washers, dryers, air conditioners, water
filtration systems and water heaters. General Electric (NYSE:GE)
works on things that matter to build a world that works better. For
more information on GE Appliances, visit www.ge.com/appliances.
View source
version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20150818005753/en/
GE AppliancesKim Freeman, 502-452-7819Director of Public
Relationskim_freeman@ge.com
GE Aerospace (NYSE:GE)
Historical Stock Chart
From Mar 2024 to Apr 2024
GE Aerospace (NYSE:GE)
Historical Stock Chart
From Apr 2023 to Apr 2024