UPDATE: Whirlpool Announcing New Plant in Cleveland
The Whirlpool Corporation announced a new manufacturing facility in Cleveland, Tenn. Wednesday.
Cleveland's economy gets boost with the announcement from Whirlpool that it will build a new plant at the corner of Benton Pike and Michigan Avenue.
The $120 million project includes a one million square-foot plant and a 400,000 square foot warehouse.
The plant will make premium cooking appliances.
Whirlpool expects to add 130 new jobs. It currently employs about 1,500 workers in Cleveland.
The new facility replaces the 100-year-old plant on King Edward Avenue in Cleveland.
Construction will begin late this fall and will be LEED certified.
Whirlpool expects to transition into the new facility next summer.
Along with the manufacturing plant, Whirlpool has a call center and an engineering center in Cleveland. The Cleveland operations became a part of Whirlpool in March 2006 when the company bought the former Maytag Corporation.
Whirlpool Corporation's headquarters are in Michigan.
Of course you can look for more on this announcement here, and on NewsChannel 9.
WHIRLPOOL NEWS RELEASE
BENTON HARBOR, MI – September 1, 2010 – Whirlpool Corporation (NYSE: WHR) today announced plans to build an approximately 1 million square foot manufacturing facility for built-in, premium cooking products in Cleveland, Tennessee. 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, Michigan;
http://investors.whirlpoolcorp.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=97140&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=1448155&highlight=
-- 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;
http://investors.whirlpoolcorp.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=97140&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=1406136&highlight=
-- 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."
