MARION, Ohio — Whirlpool Corporation announced Wednesday a $300 million investment across two of its key Ohio manufacturing facilities, marking one of the company’s largest expansions in recent years. The investment aims to strengthen Whirlpool’s production capacity for its next generation of washers and dryers, while also creating hundreds of new jobs and supporting thousands more indirectly across the state.
According to the Michigan-based appliance manufacturer, the capital investment will generate between 400 and 600 new positions at its Marion and Clyde facilities. In addition, company officials estimate the expansion will bolster around 5,000 additional jobs in supplier and logistics networks that support Whirlpool’s regional operations.
“Whirlpool Corporation’s unwavering commitment to American manufacturing is a cornerstone of our identity,” said Marc Bitzer, chairman and CEO of Whirlpool Corporation. “This $300 million investment in our Clyde and Marion facilities underscores our dedication to creating jobs, fostering innovation, and delivering high-quality, American-made appliances to U.S. consumers.”
Founded more than a century ago, Whirlpool has long been a central figure in the American appliance industry. The company manufactures a wide range of household appliances, including refrigerators, washers, dryers, and ovens. With this new round of investment, Whirlpool reinforces its position as the largest U.S.-based manufacturer in the home appliance sector, operating multiple production centers nationwide and employing thousands of American workers.
Company officials said the expansion will enhance production capabilities for energy-efficient washers and dryers, part of Whirlpool’s ongoing push to modernize its product lineup and align with growing consumer demand for sustainability and innovation. The upgrades will also include improvements to automation systems, worker training programs, and the implementation of advanced manufacturing technologies.
Local officials and state leaders welcomed the announcement, emphasizing its economic impact on the region. The investment will be partially supported through financial assistance from JobsOhio, the state’s private economic development corporation, as well as tax credits from the State of Ohio. Both incentives are subject to final approval but are expected to play a significant role in facilitating Whirlpool’s expansion.
“This is a major win for Ohio manufacturing,” said a spokesperson for JobsOhio. “Whirlpool’s decision to continue investing in the state highlights the strength of our workforce and reinforces Ohio’s reputation as a hub for industrial innovation.”
In Marion, Whirlpool operates one of the largest dryer manufacturing plants in the world, while its Clyde facility serves as the company’s flagship washer production site. Combined, the two locations are critical to Whirlpool’s North American supply chain, delivering millions of appliances to consumers across the United States each year.
The $300 million investment will be phased in over several years, with construction and equipment upgrades expected to begin in early 2026. Company representatives said that hiring for new positions would start closer to completion, focusing on both skilled manufacturing roles and support staff.
Whirlpool’s presence in Ohio extends beyond production, with deep community ties built through decades of investment, local partnerships, and workforce development initiatives. The company’s leadership said this latest project demonstrates a long-term commitment to both innovation and local economic stability.
“This investment is about more than just expanding our operations,” Bitzer said. “It’s about ensuring that American manufacturing remains strong and competitive for generations to come. We are proud to invest in the people and communities that have made Whirlpool what it is today.”
Founded in 1911 and headquartered in Benton Harbor, Michigan, Whirlpool Corporation currently employs more than 60,000 people worldwide and operates over 50 manufacturing and technology research centers. Its Ohio facilities have been integral to the company’s growth and remain a cornerstone of its U.S. production footprint.
Once completed, the new upgrades in Marion and Clyde are expected to make Whirlpool’s Ohio operations among the most advanced in the country, combining sustainability goals with cutting-edge technology. For residents and local businesses alike, the investment signals renewed confidence in the region’s manufacturing future — and in the enduring role of American-made products in the global marketplace.
