GE reshoring plan creates another 200 jobs and a milestone
by CanadianManufacturing.com Staff
Appliance Park investment part of 2010 announcement to invest $1 billion to transform its U.S. appliances business and products.
LOUISVILLE, KY—GE has started up two $100-million production lines to turn out high-efficiency frontload washing machines and dryers, marking the first time GE has produced a frontload washing machine and matching dryer from one of its U.S. plants.
The new product mandate for the plant will result in about 200 more jobs.
The startup of these two lines completes the new product platforms GE committed to bring to Appliance Park in a 2010 announcement that stated it would invest $1 billion to transform its U.S. appliances business and products.
“GE is a prime example of the growth that can come when we combine federal and private investments to develop new technologies, attract new product lines and create more jobs here at home,” said Congressman John Yarmuth.
In 2012, GE opened two refurbished factories in Louisville to house the first of the new product platforms—the GeoSpring Hybrid Water Heater and French door refrigerator. It also added lines in two existing plants for new dishwasher and washing machine models.
GE is also investing in cooking products made in Lafayette, Ga., top-freezer refrigerators made in Decatur, Ala., and side-by-side refrigerators made in Bloomington, Ind.
“The new frontload washer and dryer are examples of what we set out to accomplish with our investment in U.S. design and manufacturing capability,” said GE Appliances president and CEO Chip Blankenship. “Our team is committed to manufacture each unit here in Louisville with the highest quality levels and competitive costs.”
