Whirlpool brand today announced the debut of the centralpark™ connector, a concept product that maximizes kitchen efficiency by providing a home electronics plug and play platform on the home's most touched appliance -- the refrigerator. Whirlpool brand's centralpark™ interface, to be unveiled at the 2007 Consumer Electronics Show, allows consumers to interact with and interchange electronic devices right on the refrigerator door.

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This innovative new platform provides a hub for entertainment and a connection point on the door with power and physical support for consumer electronics devices. Whirlpool brand's centralpark™ port is an aesthetically integrated solution that offers flexibility and personalization to consumers, allowing them to not only "park" but interact with their electronic devices in a central location.

"As an industry leader, Whirlpool brand is constantly feeding its innovation pipeline with cutting edge, forward thinking products like the centralpark™ connector," said David Swift, president of Whirlpool North America. "We believe the centralpark™ port is a critical and logical link for consumer electronics and home appliances working together on a platform consumers want."

Whirlpool brand prides itself on integrating consumer insights, and when researching the entertainment needs of the American consumer learned that consumers want to free up countertop space. Whirlpool's research shows that countertops are cluttered with electronic devices such as digital picture frames, DVD systems, satellite radios, cell phones, MP3 players, etc. and the centralpark™ dock allows consumers to use these devices while in the kitchen, at eye level, and even while they are being charged.

Compatible devices are easily installed or removed, allowing centralpark™ connector-enabled refrigerators to keep their familiar facade when not in use as an electronics hub. Whirlpool brand expects consumers to find the centralpark™ port cost effective because the design allows them to use devices they already own. The best-known electronic brands will be compatible with the plug and play platform of the centralpark™ hub, which will be available as an exclusive in late 2007, with a mass rollout planned for spring 2008.

Currently, Whirlpool brand is working with Jabil, a global electronic product solutions company, to bring the design of this innovative concept product to market in 2007, and will be announcing additional partners throughout the year that will further integrate the familiar refrigerator into today's digital lifestyles. Whirlpool brand's dedication to innovation can be seen in the Jabil Product Showcase Area (by appointment only) at the 2007 Consumer Electronics Show with both the centralpark™ refrigerator and a flat screen TV microwave on display, creating a logical and consumer-demanded connection for the Smart Home of Tomorrow.

           Whirlpool brand centralpark™ interface experience
                Las Vegas Convention Center - South Hall 4

              January 8-10, 2007            January 11, 2007
              9 a.m. - 6 p.m.               9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

              Whirlpool Brand Innovation Room - booth 35662
     Jabil Product Showcase Area - booth 35285 (by appointment only)

       Sneak peek @ www.whirlpool.com/centralpark beginning Jan. 8.

  About Jabil

Jabil is a global electronic product solutions company providing comprehensive electronics design, manufacturing and product management services to global electronics and technology companies. Jabil helps bring electronics products to the market faster and more cost effectively by providing complete product supply chain management around the world. With more than 75,000 employees and facilities in 20 countries, Jabil provides comprehensive, individualized-focused solutions to customers in a broad range of industries. Jabil common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol, "JBL". Further information is available on the company's website: jabil.com.

About Whirlpool Corporation

Whirlpool Corporation is the world's leading manufacturer and marketer of major home appliances, with annual sales of more than $19 billion, more than 80,000 employees, and more than 60 manufacturing and technology research centers around the world. The company markets Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid, Jenn-Air, Amana, Brastemp, Bauknecht and other major brand names to consumers in nearly every country around the world. Additional information about the company can be found at http://www.whirlpoolcorp.com/.

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact: cinda_s_noffke@whirlpool.com

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SOURCE: Whirlpool Corporation