Whirlpool to Shutter Two Tennessee Operations Jun 8, 2007

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Whirlpool Corp. will shut down production of single cavity freestanding ranges built in Cleveland, Tennessee, U.S., by the end of 2008 and will shut down production of dehumidifiers and air purifiers in LaVergne, Tennessee, at the end of this year.

Single cavity freestanding ranges built in Cleveland will be relocated to Whirlpool locations in Tulsa, Oklahoma and Celaya, Mexico. About 400 positions will be eliminated in Cleveland, most through normal attrition and temporary positions. Whirlpool has not yet determined how many positions will be created in Tulsa and Celaya. Production ramp-down in Cleveland will be complete by the end of 2008.

Whirlpool is getting out of dehumidifier and air purifier manufacturing altogether and turning to private label manufacturers to make Whirlpool-brand appliances of this type. About 330 layoffs will take place in LaVergne when the facility closes after the end of the 2007 manufacturing season.

Whirlpool is negotiating a licensing agreement with potential global partners to produce, market, and distribute air control products with the Whirlpool brand name. The company said the move is part of an ongoing, worldwide plan to optimize regional manufacturing facilities, supply base, product platforms, and technology resources.

"This approach brings new opportunities for the Whirlpool brand presence in air control," said Marise Kumar, Whirlpool vice president, Business Strategy and Core Competencies. "This future transition will offer our customers expanded product offerings and services."
 

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