Whirlpool pledges major investment for U.S. factories

Whirlpool, a major appliance manufacturer based in the United States, has announced its commitment to enhancing local production within the American economy. This declaration follows a slight miss in their Q1 2025 earnings projections, highlighting their proactive approach amid challenging market conditions. CEO Marc Bitzer emphasized the advantages of domestic production in light of recent tariffs and a more attractive business case for U.S.-made goods. He mentioned that current manufacturing runs at only 60% capacity, underscoring the need for greater factory volume for improved profitability. In response, Whirlpool plans to introduce new products affecting a significant portion of their inventory and invest more in automation and factory upgrades. The CEO pointed out that this strategic shift not only involves creating new capital investment products but also focuses on the integration of U.S. sourced steel—a key component in their manufacturing process, which currently relies on 96% American-sourced steel. Bitzer underscored the importance of strong U.S. steel production, suggesting that it is vital for the future of the industry and the country as a whole. With vertical integration at the forefront of their strategy, Whirlpool aims to benefit U.S. factories and consumers alike through these moves, positioning themselves as a 'net winner' in the current market landscape. This investment plan symbolizes a significant step towards revitalizing American manufacturing and improving the supply chain within the United States, particularly as the company navigates through ongoing economic challenges.