Whirlpool's Commitment to Workforce Development Highlighted by Secretary Sonderling's Visit
Whirlpool Corporation recently showcased its impressive apprenticeship initiatives during the visit of Acting U.S. Secretary of Labor, Keith Sonderling, at their Clyde, Ohio facility, renowned as the world’s largest washing machine factory. Marking nearly 70 years since the instatement of their apprenticeship program in 1958, Whirlpool has not only maintained its commitment to developing skilled labor in the United States but is also expanding operations significantly within the country. Sonderling was welcomed by state and local leaders as he toured the Clyde plant, gaining valuable insights into how Whirlpool continues to foster a skilled workforce in an industry dominated by foreign firms.
The Clyde facility, in operation since 1952, employs around 2,600 individuals and leads in American manufacturing and workforce development. Throughout his visit, Secretary Sonderling engaged with apprentices and skilled tradesmen in the plant's tool room and witnessed modernization efforts supported by Whirlpool’s recent $300 million investment aimed at enhancing its laundry operations in the U.S. He also evaluated the training academy established for new production staff, reinforcing the necessity of such initiatives in creating sustainable career paths within American manufacturing.
Kristin Day, vice president of U.S. manufacturing at Whirlpool, affirmed, "Our apprenticeship and training programs operate in cooperation with career technology centers, high schools, and community colleges, contributing to a pipeline that develops second and third-generation employees who will take on future production challenges and innovations." This commitment was echoed by Secretary Sonderling, who emphasized the importance of industry-driven innovation in addressing America's skills gap.
Doug McCauley, Mayor of Clyde, expressed gratitude for Whirlpool's remarkable contribution to the local workforce, stating, "For over 70 years, generations of Clyde families have found careers inside the Whirlpool plant. Their apprenticeship and workforce programs offer the next generation a pathway to learning trades and securing a reliable future here in Clyde."
Whirlpool’s $300 million investment signifies its unwavering loyalty to U.S. manufacturing. The facility modernization includes the introduction of new production lines and the launch of advanced front-load washers and dryers later this year. Additionally, Whirlpool is in the process of constructing a new manufacturing facility in Perrysburg that will host a parts and sub-assembly plant, further solidifying job creation with an estimate of 150 new roles.
Notably, Whirlpool remains the only major kitchen and laundry appliance company still based in the United States, producing 80% of its sales domestically, which is significantly higher than the industry average. Approximately 20,000 individuals are employed across the U.S., including about 14,000 in manufacturing roles. The dedication to sourcing materials domestically is evident, with 96% of steel used by Whirlpool coming from U.S. suppliers.
As Whirlpool continuously attracts fresh talent and cultivates defined career pathways, they are aiming to be the premier workplace in the industry. The Clyde apprenticeship program is a comprehensive, state-certified initiative wherein participants undergo a four-year curriculum that integrates classroom learning with practical on-the-job training alongside experienced journeymen. Moreover, Whirlpool provides further educational opportunities, such as tuition reimbursement programs that enable hourly employees to pursue higher education and ascend into engineering and leadership positions.
Anticipation is building as the next group of apprentices is set to begin training this fall, poised to follow in the footsteps of their predecessors and one day instruct future cohorts, ensuring the growth of skilled labor remains a cornerstone of the American manufacturing landscape.
This visit highlights Whirlpool's focus not just on producing quality appliances but also on providing meaningful, sustainable career opportunities that contribute to the wider community and economy. Acting Secretary Sonderling’s acknowledgment of Whirlpool’s enduring legacy within skilled trades signifies support for ongoing advancements in domestic manufacturing capabilities.
The Clyde facility, in operation since 1952, employs around 2,600 individuals and leads in American manufacturing and workforce development. Throughout his visit, Secretary Sonderling engaged with apprentices and skilled tradesmen in the plant's tool room and witnessed modernization efforts supported by Whirlpool’s recent $300 million investment aimed at enhancing its laundry operations in the U.S. He also evaluated the training academy established for new production staff, reinforcing the necessity of such initiatives in creating sustainable career paths within American manufacturing.
Kristin Day, vice president of U.S. manufacturing at Whirlpool, affirmed, "Our apprenticeship and training programs operate in cooperation with career technology centers, high schools, and community colleges, contributing to a pipeline that develops second and third-generation employees who will take on future production challenges and innovations." This commitment was echoed by Secretary Sonderling, who emphasized the importance of industry-driven innovation in addressing America's skills gap.
Doug McCauley, Mayor of Clyde, expressed gratitude for Whirlpool's remarkable contribution to the local workforce, stating, "For over 70 years, generations of Clyde families have found careers inside the Whirlpool plant. Their apprenticeship and workforce programs offer the next generation a pathway to learning trades and securing a reliable future here in Clyde."
Whirlpool’s $300 million investment signifies its unwavering loyalty to U.S. manufacturing. The facility modernization includes the introduction of new production lines and the launch of advanced front-load washers and dryers later this year. Additionally, Whirlpool is in the process of constructing a new manufacturing facility in Perrysburg that will host a parts and sub-assembly plant, further solidifying job creation with an estimate of 150 new roles.
Notably, Whirlpool remains the only major kitchen and laundry appliance company still based in the United States, producing 80% of its sales domestically, which is significantly higher than the industry average. Approximately 20,000 individuals are employed across the U.S., including about 14,000 in manufacturing roles. The dedication to sourcing materials domestically is evident, with 96% of steel used by Whirlpool coming from U.S. suppliers.
As Whirlpool continuously attracts fresh talent and cultivates defined career pathways, they are aiming to be the premier workplace in the industry. The Clyde apprenticeship program is a comprehensive, state-certified initiative wherein participants undergo a four-year curriculum that integrates classroom learning with practical on-the-job training alongside experienced journeymen. Moreover, Whirlpool provides further educational opportunities, such as tuition reimbursement programs that enable hourly employees to pursue higher education and ascend into engineering and leadership positions.
Anticipation is building as the next group of apprentices is set to begin training this fall, poised to follow in the footsteps of their predecessors and one day instruct future cohorts, ensuring the growth of skilled labor remains a cornerstone of the American manufacturing landscape.
This visit highlights Whirlpool's focus not just on producing quality appliances but also on providing meaningful, sustainable career opportunities that contribute to the wider community and economy. Acting Secretary Sonderling’s acknowledgment of Whirlpool’s enduring legacy within skilled trades signifies support for ongoing advancements in domestic manufacturing capabilities.
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