BENTON HARBOR, Mich., Oct. 3, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Whirlpool Corporation (NYSE: WHR), continues its commitment to supporting U.S. military veterans by becoming the official home appliance sponsor of Homes for Our Troops (HFOT).  HFOT is a national non-profit organization, which assists severely injured in combat Veterans, since September 11, 2011, by raising money, building materials and professional labor, and coordinating the process to build a home that provides maximum freedom of movement and the ability to live more independently.

Since 2004, HFOT has handed over the keys nearly 140 home build projects and for the next three years, those homes will include a full suite of new Whirlpool brand major appliances and KitchenAid brand countertop appliances.  "On behalf of Whirlpool Corporation and all of our approximately 500 veteran employees, we are honored and excited to partner with Homes for Our Troops.  Whirlpool is committed to supporting veterans whether they are currently serving, entering the civilian workforce or rebuilding their lives," stated John Miller, senior vice president, Global Strategic Sourcing, Whirlpool Corporation. 

Becoming HFOT's official home appliance sponsor is just another way Whirlpool Corporation is demonstrating its commitment to investing in America.  In early 2012, Whirlpool Corporation formed a Veterans Association to support the recruiting, on boarding and retention of veterans and their families into the Whirlpool workforce.  Later that year, Whirlpool signed a Statement of Support for the National Guard and Reserve, declaring the company will fully recognize, honor and enforce the Uniformed Services Employment and Re-Employment Rights Act (USERRA).  The Whirlpool Veterans Association brought the HFOT sponsorship opportunity to the company as an additional way Whirlpool could demonstrate its support of veterans across the U.S.   

About Homes for Our Troops
Homes for Our Troops is a national non-profit 501(c)3 organization based in Taunton, Mass. founded in 2004. Homes for Our Troops' mission is to build specially adapted homes for service members who have been severely injured in combat operations since September 11, 2001. All homes are built at no cost to the veteran through the generous support of individuals, foundations, and corporate contributors. Homes for Our Troops has received a Four Star Rating from Charity Navigator.

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 in 2011, 68,000 employees and 65 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.

Whirlpool Corporation employs more U.S. workers than all of our major competitors with 23,000 employees in the United States. Of the products we make, more than 80% of products sold in U.S. are made in U.S. Throughout the  past three years (2010 – 2013), the company has invested more than $2.2 billion in U.S. research and more than $7.4 billion is spent annually to operate and invest in nine U.S. manufacturing plants employing approximately 15,000 manufacturing employees.

SOURCE Whirlpool Corporation