BENTON HARBOR, Mich.,
Nov. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/
-- Whirlpool Corporation (NYSE: WHR) announced today it is
investing more than $65 million over
the next several years into its factory in Ottawa, Ohio as part of the company's ongoing
efforts to position the plant as the Premium Refrigeration Factory
in its North American Region (NAR). The investment will include an
expansion of the Ottawa plant to
accommodate production of premium refrigeration products, including
Built-In Refrigerator (BIR) production.
With the expected growth of the BIR market, the investment will
increase production and provide Whirlpool Corporation with a
critical competitive advantage. In addition to plant expansion,
this investment will also create 100+ additional jobs. Expansion of
the facility's existing footprint will begin in mid-2022, with
Ottawa assuming full production in
2023.
"We're excited about this investment in the future of the Ottawa
Operations and in our people," said Whirlpool Corporation VP
of Integrated Supply Chain and Quality Don Metzelaar. "This is a
testament to our skilled workforce, and will unlock our potential
to bring the newest and best refrigeration innovation to our
customers who count on us to improve their lives at home."
The company's Ottawa Operations were established in 1990, and
currently produce freezers, under counter ice makers and hybrid
heat-pump bases for ventless dryers. Its 485+ employees manufacture
products for the Whirlpool, KitchenAid, Amana, Maytag, Gladiator
and JennAir brands. The strong partnership with the JobsOhio
Regional Growth Partnership, state and local officials, including
the commitment of tax benefits and a JobsOhio grant, supported this
important investment decision for the Ottawa operations. This project is contingent
on approval of state and local incentives.
"Whirlpool's plans to invest in its Ottawa facility will bring 100 good-paying new
jobs and the latest refrigeration production technology," said
JobsOhio President and CEO J.P.
Nauseef. "The cutting-edge advancements and Ohio talent will provide a strong competitive
advantage as Whirlpool positions Ottawa to be a premium refrigeration plant in
the North American market."
About Whirlpool Corporation
Whirlpool Corporation
(NYSE: WHR) is committed to being the best global kitchen and
laundry company, in constant pursuit of improving life at home. In
an increasingly digital world, the company is driving purposeful
innovation to meet the evolving needs of consumers through its
iconic brand portfolio, including Whirlpool, KitchenAid, Maytag,
Consul, Brastemp, Amana, Bauknecht, JennAir, Indesit and
Yummly. In 2020, the company reported approximately
$19 billion in annual sales, 78,000
employees and 57 manufacturing and technology research centers.
Additional information about the company can be found at
WhirlpoolCorp.com.
View original content to download
multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/whirlpool-corporation-announces-over-65m-of-investments-in-ottawa-ohio-plant-operations-including-the-addition-of-100-more-jobs-301425232.html
SOURCE Whirlpool Corporation