Whirlpool Corporation was honored recently by merchandising giant, Sears, Roebuck & Co., with a total of six "Partners in Progress" achievement awards. Whirlpool received the awards for excellence in:

  -- Partners in Progress Award, Laundry Category.
  -- Partners in Progress Award, Product Repair Services, Laundry Category.
  -- Partners in Progress Award, Home Appliance Recharge.
  -- 2003 Quality Supplier of the Year, Product Repair Services, Technical
     Organization.
  -- 2003 Overall Supplier of the Year, Product Repair Services, Technical
     Organization.
  -- A special award presented by Sears, Roebuck & Co., CEO Alan Lacy,
     recognizing Whirlpool Corporation Laundry Products with the Product
     Repair Services 2003 Supplier of the Year, Laundry Products.

The Partners in Progress awards acknowledge the top vendor companies that supplied Sears with products and services in 2003. Of its more than 10,000 vendors, less than 150 are recognized by Sears with the annual honors.

"We are delighted to have been recognized again this year by our largest trade partner for our innovative product solutions," said Dave Swift, executive vice president, Whirlpool North America. "To have been recognized by Sears with Partners in Progress Awards is truly an honor. These awards underscore Whirlpool's commitment and dedication to delivering quality products and service to our strategic partner, Sears, and the Kenmore brand."

The Partners in Progress program recognizes vendors for various achievements, including quality, growth and innovation. Sears selects the winners based on recommendations presented by its store support organization.

Sears, Roebuck and Co. is a leading broadline retailer providing merchandise and related services. With annual revenues of over $41 billion, the company offers its wide range of home merchandise, apparel and automotive products and services through more than 2,300 Sears-branded and affiliated stores in the U.S. and Canada, which includes approximately 870 full-line and 1,100 specialty stores in the U.S. More information is available on the Internet at www.sears.com .

Whirlpool Corporation is the world's leading manufacturer and marketer of major home appliances, with annual sales of more than $12 billion, 68,000 employees, and nearly 50 manufacturing and technology research centers around the globe. The company markets Whirlpool, KitchenAid, Brastemp, Bauknecht, Consul and other major brand names to consumers in more than 170 countries. Additional information about the company can be found on the Internet at www.whirlpoolcorp.com .

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SOURCE: Whirlpool Corporation