Whirlpool Corp Announces a $300 Million Expansion of U.S. Laundry Manufacturing
On 15 October 2025, Whirlpool Corporation, a leading manufacturer of household appliances headquartered in Benton Harbor, Michigan, confirmed a new capital‑expenditure plan to invest $300 million in its U.S. laundry production facilities. The investment will be concentrated at two Ohio plants – one in Clyde and another in Marion – and is part of the company’s broader strategy to strengthen its American manufacturing footprint.
Key Details of the Investment
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Investment amount | $300 million |
| Locations | Clyde, Ohio and Marion, Ohio |
| Primary focus | Production of washing machines and dryers |
| Projected job creation | 400–600 new full‑time positions |
| Indirect employment impact | Approximately 5,000 additional jobs for suppliers |
| Support entities | JobsOhio, Regional Growth Partnership (RGP), One Columbus |
The announcement was made by Whirlpool’s corporate headquarters in Benton Harbor and was covered by several U.S. media outlets, including PRNewswire, Benzinga, and the Global Newswire. The Ohio Governor, Mike DeWine, and local economic development partners highlighted the project as a boost to the state’s advanced‑manufacturing sector.
Context and Strategic Rationale
Whirlpool has historically maintained a strong presence in the United States, tracing its origins to 1911. The company has opted to continue expanding domestic production rather than shifting manufacturing overseas, citing advantages in supply‑chain resilience, local labor expertise, and market responsiveness. The Ohio investment aligns with this approach, providing additional capacity for its most popular product lines—washing machines and dryers—and reinforcing the company’s position in the competitive household durables market.
Impact on Financial Metrics
The company’s market capitalization stands at approximately $4.16 billion USD as of 13 October 2025. Whirlpool’s share price closed at $74.04 USD on that date, with a 52‑week high of $135.49 USD and a low of $71 USD. The price‑earnings ratio is reported as -28.858, reflecting the company’s current profitability status.
While the immediate financial impact of the investment will be reflected in capital‑expenditure and operating‑cost adjustments, the creation of hundreds of jobs and the strengthening of the U.S. manufacturing base are expected to support long‑term revenue growth and shareholder value.
Conclusion
Whirlpool Corp’s $300 million investment in Ohio’s laundry manufacturing facilities represents a significant commitment to expanding its U.S. production capabilities. The project is expected to create between 400 and 600 new jobs directly, with an additional 5,000 jobs supported indirectly through the supply chain. This initiative underscores Whirlpool’s strategic focus on domestic manufacturing and its continued investment in the American economy.
