Whirlpool Unveils $60M Investment Plan for Ohio's New Manufacturing Facility
Whirlpool Corporation has made a bold announcement today, unveiling plans for a significant expansion of its manufacturing operations in the United States. The company is set to invest $60 million in a new state-of-the-art production facility located in Perrysburg, Ohio. This venture marks Whirlpool's 11th factory in the U.S. and its 6th in Ohio, highlighting the company’s commitment to boosting American manufacturing.
The site chosen for this project was previously utilized for solar panel manufacturing, but Whirlpool plans to completely revamp the facility. This transformation will include the introduction of advanced manufacturing technologies and automation systems aimed at producing components for washers and dryers. The anticipated development timeline spans the next two years, during which the company expects to create between 100 to 150 new jobs, significantly impacting the local economy and providing essential support for nearby plants in Ohio.
Marc Bitzer, Chairman and CEO of Whirlpool Corporation, expressed confidence in the U.S. workforce, stating, "When there is a level playing field, our American workers can out-compete anyone in the world. This investment confirms our belief in this workforce and our determination to create high-quality, innovative products right here in the U.S."
This announcement isn't an isolated event, but rather a continuation of Whirlpool's recent significant investments in domestic manufacturing. Just last October, the company committed $300 million to enhance its laundry operations by adding a new production line, which is expected to generate between 400 to 600 jobs.
Kristin Day, Vice President of U.S. manufacturing at Whirlpool, described the new facility as emblematic of the evolution in American manufacturing. She stated, "By creating a hybrid environment where cutting-edge automation meets human ingenuity, we are not just building appliances—we are building the future of domestic production in our industry. Our employees remain the foundation of our success, and these tools will empower them to achieve new levels of precision and efficiency."
Approximately 80% of the major appliances that Whirlpool sells in the U.S. are manufactured within the country. Over the past decade, the company has invested around $23 billion in various aspects of manufacturing, labor, and logistics in the U.S., and just last year, spent over $6 billion with U.S. suppliers alone.
While the investments are promising, they are still pending approval of incentives from organizations like JobsOhio and state tax credits from Ohio. Whirlpool Corporation has also shared intentions to hold a formal ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new facility later this year, a move that is anticipated to mark a milestone in the company’s ongoing commitment to U.S. manufacturing.
Local officials have voiced strong support for this initiative. U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer remarked that such investments underscore the positive impact of the Trump Administration’s trade policies in reviving American industry. Senator Bernie Moreno pointed to this development as a crucial step in reindustrializing the American Heartland, while Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur reinforced the importance of backing domestic manufacturers to ensure thriving communities.
Whirlpool’s initiative in Perrysburg exemplifies the potential for significant contributions to Ohio's economy and creates a hopeful outlook for local employment opportunities as the company continues to expand its manufacturing capabilities. With a legacy as a leading home appliance manufacturer, Whirlpool's commitment to innovation and domestic production is expected to resonate throughout the industry, setting a benchmark for future advancements in American manufacturing.