It has been reported that GE Consumer & Industrial will honour its promise to the union that represents workers at Appliance Park by creating new jobs and investing millions of dollars to bring new production work to its Louisville operation.
Kim Freeman, director of communications for GE Consumer & Industrial, said that GE will invest $7 million to make wire dishwasher racks at Appliance Park. Production is expected to begin by the end of 2007.
Freeman said GE also will spend $5 million to boost a production line at to make pedestals for front-load washing machines. Work on this line should begin in 2007.
The company had considered outsourcing the work, she said. But savings have been made through a wage agreement with union workers has made the investment in Appliance Park possible.
Last September GE reached a wage-structure agreement with the union. Under that agreement, the company was able to realise savings by paying new employees less money than existing ones. New employees will receive the same cost-of living increases and benefits as union members hired before the agreement.
Freeman has said GE plans to hire 200 new employees and replace about 300 retiring employees by the end of 2007.