Whirlpool Corporation today announced it has been named to the 2006 Dow Jones Sustainability World Index (DJSI), an international stock portfolio that evaluates corporate performance using economic, environmental, and social criteria. Whirlpool led the durable household goods category of the DJSI.

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Only the top 10 percent of the 2,500 largest companies are selected as components of the DJSI World Index based on their sustainability performance. This year's DJSI includes more than 300 companies representing nearly 25 countries. Sixty-seven other U.S. corporations including Abbott Laboratories, McDonald's and Whole Foods join Whirlpool on the list.

"We are proud to be recognized by one of the world's most comprehensive reviews of sustainable business practices," said Jeff M. Fettig, Whirlpool's chairman, president and CEO. "As a company, we have a long-term commitment to social responsibility, but it's really our people who make it a reality. Their actions personify Whirlpool's values and have enabled us to make social responsibility a core part of our culture."

Whirlpool received high marks in such categories as customer relationship management, risk and crisis management, brand management, codes of conduct, talent attraction and development, and corporate citizenship/philanthropy.

The DJSI provides asset managers with reliable and objective benchmarks to manage their sustainability-focused portfolios. Its results will influence the investment decisions of asset managers in 14 countries for a variety of sustainability-driven portfolios -- including mutual funds, segregated accounts, structured products, as well as an exchange traded fund that is listed on Euronext.

Companies are selected for the DJSI based on a thorough assessment of general and industry-specific sustainability criteria including corporate governance, environmental performance, labor practices, and community development. The analyses are verified by an external auditor.

Further information on the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index can be found at http://www.sustainability-indexes.com/ .

About Whirlpool Corporation

Whirlpool Corporation is a global manufacturer and marketer of major home appliances, with annual sales of more than $13 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 at http://www.whirlpoolcorp.com/ .

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SOURCE: Whirlpool Corporation