Whirlpool Corporation is investing 15 million dollar into its factory in Tulsa, Oklahoma as part of the company’s ongoing efforts to further strengthen its U.S. manufacturing capabilities. According to the company, this operation will bring even more innovation, top ranking consumer products and high-quality jobs to the region. In conjunction with its investment, Whirlpool will receive an additional 1 million dollar from the state of Oklahoma through its Business Expansion Investment Program (BEIP). The plant produces freestanding and slide-in ranges under the Whirlpool, Amana, Maytag, KitchenAid and JennAir brands.
«Whirlpool Corporation is committed to U.S. manufacturing – said Don Metzelaar, vice president of integrated supply chain and quality for Whirlpool Corporation – and the investment in our Tulsa factory highlights our dedication not only to the Tulsa community but to our current and future colleagues in the region. We greatly appreciate the support and leadership of everyone who helped make this happen, including the partnership of the state of Oklahoma and local officials, and we look forward to continuing to work together in our shared efforts to accelerate job creation in the Tulsa region.»
Through funding from both parties, Whirlpool Corporation expects to create approximately 150 new jobs, building on the company’s Tulsa expansion project announced in 2018. With the additional investment, Whirlpool Corporation is committed to increase its factory headcount to a total of over 2000 employees in Tulsa. In March of 2020, Whirlpool opened an 800,000 square foot Factory Distribution Center which doubled the size of its footprint in Tulsa.
Whirlpool will utilize the majority of its 15 million dollar allocation to invest in machinery and equipment that will deliver increased production capabilities, including capacity, with remaining funds to be used for key building and infrastructure improvements including health and safety protocols to accommodate the increase in workers. The 1 million dollar offered by the state of Oklahoma, which is tied to Whirlpool Corporation’s investment and commitment to delivering an increase in employment opportunities, will be allocated toward capital investment and further job creation.
