BENTON HARBOR, Mich., March 4, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Jeff Fettig, Chairman & CEO of Whirlpool Corporation (NYSE: WHR), will be speaking at the Detroit Economic Club Wednesday, March 9, 2011 at 12:30 p.m. EST. He will focus on why Whirlpool Corporation is investing $1 billion in its U.S. footprint.

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In addition, Mr. Fettig will talk about the company's Michigan heritage as it celebrates its 100th anniversary year. He will also touch on what it will take for U.S. businesses and manufacturers to succeed in today's global economy and why Whirlpool Corp. is investing now in its U.S. footprint.

Among its most recent U.S. investments, Whirlpool Corp. is currently building a new manufacturing facility in Cleveland, Tenn. and investing in its Clyde, Ohio; Ottawa, Ohio; and Amana, Iowa locations.  The company also broke ground in November for a new $85 million office campus in its hometown and headquarters location of Benton Harbor, Mich.

Mr. Fettig joined Whirlpool in 1981 and has held a number of positions in Operations, Sales, Planning and Product Development. He also serves on the Board of Directors of The Dow Chemical Company. A native of Tipton, Ind., Mr. Fettig holds a bachelor's degree in finance and a Master of Business Administration from Indiana University.

For more information or to purchase tickets to the event visit www.econclub.org.

About Whirlpool Corporation

Whirlpool Corporation is the world's leading manufacturer and marketer of major home appliances, with annual sales of more than $18 billion in 2010, 71,000 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 www.whirlpoolcorp.com.

About Whirlpool Corporation's 100th Anniversary

Founded on November 11, 1911, Whirlpool Corporation's time- and labor-saving appliance innovations have influenced home and family life during the last century.  Driven by the belief that everyone needs a comfortable place to call home, Whirlpool Corporation is focused on improving lives one family, one home at a time.

About The Detroit Economic Club

The Detroit Economic Club was formed in 1934 as a platform for the discussion and debate of important business, government and social issues. It is known internationally as a top speaking forum for prominent business and government leaders, who address members and their guests at the Club's 35 meetings a season. With more than 3,000 members, the DEC is about vital issues, prominent voices, a commitment to education and inspiring leadership. The DEC is proud to have hosted every sitting U.S. President since Richard Nixon and proud to be ranked among the top speaking platforms in the world. Admission:  $45 for DEC members, $55 for guests of members and $75 for nonmembers. Register at www.econclub.org. For media registration, contact Matt Friedman at 248-626-0006 or mfriedman@tannerfriedman.com.

SOURCE Whirlpool Corporation