Maytag Reduces Florence Workforce Oct 11, 2005

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The Associated Press reports that Maytag laid off 60 to 70 employees of its plant in Florence, South Carolina, U.S., saying the workforce reduction is the result of market conditions. The employees lost their jobs yesterday but will continue to be paid through December 10.

The Florence plant, along with another laundry plant in Newton, Iowa, U.S., where Maytag is based, and a Hoover brand vacuum cleaner plant in North Canton, Ohio, U.S., were all identified as possible closures earlier this year. As APPLIANCE magazine reported on July 5, 2005, a preliminary proxy filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission indicated Maytag Corporation could expect to save U.S. $140 million by closing the three plants.

The Florence facility came to Maytag when it purchased Amana Appliances from Goodman Global Holding Company, Inc. in 2001. Maytag and appliance giant Whirlpool Corporation (Benton Harbor, Michigan, U.S.) are currently working on the approvals needed for a takeover of Maytag by Whirlpool. The merger could happen as early as the first quarter of 2006.

A definitive long-term plan for the Florence plant is unknown.

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