Whirlpool are to invest $120 million in a new, 1 million-square-foot manufacturing facility in Cleveland, Tennessee, the company and state officials announced today, making it the company’s largest investment anywhere.
The new plant will replace a 100-year-old facility in Cleveland. Whirlpool also will build a 400,000-square-foot distribution facility on the site, adding 130 positions to the existing 1,500 manufacturing employees already on hand.
From the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development news release:
Governor Phil Bredesen and Commissioner Matt Kisber, Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development today congratulated the leadership of the Whirlpool Corporation of Benton Harbor, Michigan on the company’s decision to invest $120 million in a new, approximately 1-million sq. foot manufacturing facility to produce premium built-in cooking products in Cleveland, Tenn.
“Whirlpool is a highly respected, longstanding corporate citizen of Bradley County and I’m grateful for their continued investment in the people of Tennessee,” said Governor Bredesen. “This investment means a bright future for the Tennessee workers employed by Whirlpool and is a strong vote of confidence in their quality and productivity.”
“Tennessee’s partnership with Whirlpool is a strong one and we appreciate the openness and honesty which characterized our dialogue with the company,” said Commissioner Kisber. “We appreciate their recognition that the business climate we’ve created in Tennessee and our skilled workforce have a role to play in the company’s future.”
Company officials plan to build a new, LEED-certified manufacturing facility producing innovative, energy efficient cooking products to replace the 100-year old manufacturing plant at 740 King Edward Avenue, SE in Cleveland. Whirlpool will also build a 400,000 sq. foot distribution facility on the site of the new plant, adding 130 new positions to the currently existing 1,500 manufacturing employees.
“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.”
Construction is expected to begin in the 4th quarter of 2010, with phased-in production expected in the second half of 2011. Whirlpool announced an expansion of employment at the old facility in July 2008.
