CLYDE, Ohio, Jan. 20, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Whirlpool Corporation's (NYSE: WHR) washing machine plant in Clyde, Ohio – the largest washing machine plant in the world – today hosted U.S. Senator Rob Portman and Whirlpool chairman and CEO Jeff M. Fettig to discuss the company's presence in Ohio and the importance of federal legislative initiatives to help ensure retention of U.S. manufacturing jobs.
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"We're delighted to welcome Senator Portman to our Clyde facility," said Jeff M. Fettig, chairman and chief executive officer, Whirlpool Corporation. "Whirlpool is celebrating 100 years of operation in 2011, and we are proud to be the global leader in the appliance industry. We're even more proud of our U.S. heritage. We are confident in, and continue to invest in the U.S. market. In fact, we're making investments in our U.S. footprint totaling $1 billion over five years, including $250 million invested in our Ohio plants in the last three years. We look forward to working with Senator Portman to help ensure we can remain competitive while retaining U.S. manufacturing jobs."
"Washington has, unfortunately, been making it harder, not easier, for companies of all sizes here in Ohio to grow and create jobs," said U.S. Senator Rob Portman. "We need to turn that around and pass pro-job growth legislation. I'm optimistic that we'll be able to come together on a bipartisan basis to ratify pending export agreements, agreements that would provide opportunity here in Clyde and across Ohio, benefitting Ohio companies and their employees."
The Senator's visit included a brief tour of the 2.4 million square foot facility – the biggest washing machine plant in the world, large enough to hold 50 football fields. Ohio is home to five Whirlpool Corp. manufacturing plants which collectively employ 10,000 employees. More appliances are made in the state of Ohio – all by Whirlpool Corporation – than any other state in the U.S.
About Whirlpool Corporation
Whirlpool Corporation is the world's leading manufacturer and marketer of major home appliances, with annual sales of approximately $17 billion in 2009, 67,000 employees, and 67 manufacturing and technology research centers around the world. The company markets Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid, Jenn-Air, Amana, Brastemp, Consul, 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.
About Whirlpool Corporation's 100th Anniversary
Founded on November 11, 1911, Whirlpool Corporation has influenced home and family life during the last century. The company is driven by the belief that everyone needs a comfortable place to call home and has a 100 year history of creating better ways of cooking, cleaning, refrigerating and storing. Whirlpool Corporation is focused on improving lives one person, one family, one home, one community at a time.
SOURCE Whirlpool Corporation