The Economy

Whirlpool to Build New Manufacturing Facility in Tennessee

Sept. 2, 2010

Plant construction is one of five U.S. expansion projects recently announced by the company.

Benton Harbor, Mich.-based Whirlpool Corp. said it will build a $120 million manufacturing facility for premium cooking products in Cleveland, Tenn.

With the expansion, Whirpool said it will add 130 new jobs to its 1,500 Cleveland employees.

The new 1-million-square-foot facility will replace Whirlpool's 100-year-old manufacturing plant in Cleveland. Whirlpool expects construction to begin in the fourth quarter.

Whirpool Chairman and CEO Jeff Fettig said the new facility in Cleveland marks the "largest single investment we've ever made anywhere in the world and reinforces our commitment to the competitiveness of U.S. manufacturing."

Whirpool said it also plans to build a 400,000-square-foot distribution center at the site.

The new facility in Cleveland coincides with several other expansion projects on tap for Whirlpool in the United States. They include:

A new $85 million office campus and renovation of some of its facilities at its Benton Harbor, Mich., headquarters.
A $175 million investment in the company's laundry facilities in Ohio.
A $20 million investment in its Amana, Iowa, refrigeration plant to drive improved productivity and efficiency.
A new $40 million, 1-million-square-foot regional distribution center in Wilmer, Texas.

"Whirlpool continues to invest in our U.S.-based manufacturing footprint," Fettig said. "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."

About the Author

Josh Cable | Former Senior Editor

Former Senior Editor Josh Cable covered innovation issues -- including trends and best practices in R&D, process improvement and product development. He also reported on the best practices of the most successful companies and executives in the world of transportation manufacturing, which encompasses the aerospace, automotive, rail and shipbuilding sectors.

Josh also led the IndustryWeek Manufacturing Hall of Fame, IW’s annual tribute to the most influential executives and thought leaders in U.S. manufacturing history.

Before joining IndustryWeek, Josh was the editor-in-chief of Penton Media’s Government Product News and Government Procurement. He also was an award-winning beat reporter for several small newspapers in Northeast Ohio.

Josh received his BFA in creative writing from Bowling Green University, and continued his professional development through course-work at Ohio University and Cuyahoga Community College.

A lifelong resident of the Buckeye State, Josh currently lives in the Tremont neighborhood of Cleveland. When the weather cooperates, you’ll find him riding his bike to work, exercising his green thumb in the backyard or playing ultimate Frisbee.