BENTON HARBOR, Mich., Feb. 28, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Whirlpool Corporation (NYSE: WHR) has once again been named as one of Fortune Magazine's World's Most Admired Companies. The company was recognized for the fourth year in a row in the Home Equipment, Furnishings industry category. Whirlpool Corporation has ranked No. 1  in its category for four consecutive years.

The company received its highest scores in the survey in: innovation, social responsibility, people management, product quality and global competitiveness. The annual list ranks companies in a number of industry sectors including electronics, engineering, consumer food products and beverages. Top ranked companies in other industry sectors include Google, Apple, Coca Cola, FedEx and Starbucks.

"It is an honor to once again be named to Fortune Magazine's annual list of the World's Most Admired Companies," said Jeff M. Fettig, chairman and CEO of Whirlpool Corporation. "For more than 100 years, Whirlpool Corporation has built a foundation for growth through forward-thinking products from exceptional brands, disciplined operating processes and talented employees. Our constant mindset of innovation that matters allows us to continue bringing the very best in home solutions to consumers around the world. We're proud to have held strong, positive scores on the list this year, particularly in social responsibility and innovation and we're committed to continued success in 2014."

Whirlpool Corporation's inclusion on the list for the fourth consecutive year reiterates the company's track record of responsible business throughout its history. In 2013, the company was recognized as a Top 50 Best Corporate Citizen by CR magazine and one of the world's Most Reputable Companies by Forbes magazine and the Reputation Institute. The company made the 100 Best Corporate Citizens list for the eleventh consecutive year and the Most Reputable Companies list for the sixth year in a row. Also in 2013 the company received its 10th consecutive perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign Corporate Equality Index.

Fortune's rankings are published each year and reflect the observations and opinions of executives who rate their peers and competitors on nine different aspects. These aspects include innovation, people management, use of corporate assets, social responsibility, quality of management, long-term investment, financial soundness, quality of products and services, and global competitiveness. More information on the World's Most Admired Companies can be found at Fortune.com.

About Whirlpool Corporation

Whirlpool Corporation is the world's leading global manufacturer and marketer of major home appliances, with annual revenues of approximately $19 billion in 2013, 69,000 employees and 59 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. We earn the trust of consumers in nearly every country by focusing on what matters most. Additional information about the company can be found at http://www.whirlpoolcorp.com.

SOURCE Whirlpool Corporation