BENTON HARBOR, Mich., Nov. 9, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Whirlpool Corporation is upgrading its operations near Carlisle, Penn., and will construct a new regional distribution center in New Kingston. A ground-breaking ceremony was held today to officially kick off the project.   

The new facility will be about 12 miles from the company's current distribution center in Carlisle, Penn. It will provide an additional 300,000 square feet for storage, and will be a full-mix, rail-served warehouse, storing major appliances from all of the company's brands and product categories, including laundry, refrigeration, cooking, and dishwashing.

"This upgrade to our distribution network represents our commitment to our consumers and trade customers," said Alison Jones, senior director, logistics. "We expect that the additional space will improve our flexibility, increase our efficiency, and provide needed space for our growing business."

Penske Logistics, the Carlisle warehouse's current manager, will continue their duties in Kingston. The workforce of 90 is expected to stay the same.

Exeter Property Group and Penntex Construction Center will develop and construct the property, respectively. Construction will begin immediately, with plans for the new center to become operational in the third-quarter of 2017.

Whirlpool Corporation (NYSE: WHR) is the number one major appliance manufacturer in the world, with approximately $21 billion in annual sales, 97,000 employees and 70 manufacturing and technology research centers throughout the world in 2015. The company markets Whirlpool, KitchenAid, Maytag, Consul, Brastemp, Amana, Bauknecht, Jenn-Air, Indesit and other major brand names in nearly every country throughout the world. Additional information about the company can be found at WhirlpoolCorp.com, or find us on Twitter at @WhirlpoolCorp.

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SOURCE Whirlpool Corporation