Whirlpool's Ohio Investment Fuels American Manufacturing Renaissance

BENTON HARBOR, MI – January 15, 2026 – In a powerful endorsement of domestic manufacturing, leaders in Northwest Ohio are applauding Whirlpool Corporation’s deep-rooted commitment to the region, highlighted by a recent $300 million investment set to fortify its local operations and create hundreds of new jobs. The praise was formalized in a recent opinion piece in The Plain Dealer, where the mayors of Clyde and Marion, Ohio, celebrated the appliance giant’s long-standing presence and its latest vote of confidence in the American workforce.

This move reinforces Whirlpool's position as the only major U.S.-based manufacturer of kitchen and laundry appliances, a distinction the company has cultivated through decades of investment in its American facilities. The planned injection of capital into its Clyde and Marion laundry manufacturing plants is expected to generate up to 600 new jobs, signaling a significant boost for the local economies.

A Legacy Forged in the American Heartland

Whirlpool's history in Ohio is not just a story of factories, but of communities built around them. The Clyde facility, operational since 1952, is a behemoth in the industry, holding the title of the largest washing machine plant in the world. It stands as a testament to decades of production, employing over 3,000 workers who manufacture more than four million washers annually.

Similarly, the Marion operations recently celebrated a major milestone: its 70th anniversary. For seven decades, the plant has been a cornerstone of the Marion community, providing stable employment and contributing to the local economic fabric. Together, these two sites employ approximately 4,500 Ohioans and represent the entirety of the company's U.S. laundry manufacturing operations.

In their joint op-ed, Clyde Mayor Doug McCauley and Marion Mayor Bill Collins reflected on this enduring partnership. "We've focused on creating a smart, sustainable economic environment that good employers want to be a part of, so they can hire our neighbors, invest in our communities and give our kids a reason to stay," the mayors wrote. "Companies like Whirlpool have noticed that commitment and met it with their own."

The Economic Ripple of a $300 Million Investment

Announced on October 15, 2025, the $300 million investment is earmarked for a transformative upgrade of the Clyde and Marion facilities. The capital will fund the production of next-generation washers and dryers, incorporating increased automation and new factory layouts designed to boost efficiency and innovation.

The creation of up to 600 new jobs will be a significant economic stimulus. The Clyde plant is expected to receive approximately two-thirds of the new positions, with the Marion dryer plant absorbing the remaining third. Hiring is slated to begin in 2026, with plans to launch a full new shift early in the year. The impact extends beyond the factory walls, as the increased production is projected to support an additional 5,000 jobs in adjacent industries and supply chains.

Local officials have greeted the news with enthusiasm, viewing it as a critical reinvestment in the region's future. For a city like Marion, which has seen other manufacturing employers depart over the years, this expansion is particularly welcome. The investment is seen not just as job creation, but as a stabilization force for the entire county. The sentiment is shared in Clyde, where leaders expressed elation over the long-term security the expansion provides, citing the town's established skilled workforce and rate-friendly municipal power as key factors in the successful partnership. The project is also being supported by financial assistance from JobsOhio and state tax credits, pending final approval.

A Strategic Bet on 'Made in USA'

Beyond the local impact, Whirlpool's investment represents a calculated strategic move within the competitive global appliance market. By doubling down on its U.S. manufacturing footprint, the company strengthens its supply chain resilience, reducing its exposure to the volatility of international shipping and logistics. This strategy has become increasingly vital in a post-pandemic world where supply chain disruptions can cripple production.

The company has consistently emphasized its American identity, noting that approximately 80% of the major appliances it sells in the United States are manufactured in its domestic factories. This latest investment is part of a larger, decade-long commitment that has seen the corporation pour $23 billion into its U.S. operations, research, and development.

This focus on domestic production also provides a competitive edge. Industry analysts note that recent tariff policies have helped create a more "level playing field," making the business case for U.S.-based manufacturing more attractive compared to rivals who import their products. By producing washers and dryers in Ohio, Whirlpool can better insulate itself from the cost impacts of tariffs that affect competitors who manufacture overseas. The "Made in USA" label remains a powerful brand differentiator for many American consumers, associating the product with quality, reliability, and support for the national economy.

Deep Roots and a Shared Future

The relationship between Whirlpool and its Ohio host cities is a powerful example of how corporate loyalty and community support can create a virtuous cycle of growth and stability. The mayors' op-ed captures this sentiment perfectly, illustrating a partnership that transcends a simple employer-employee dynamic.

"When a company puts down roots and keeps faith with its people, those roots deepen. Loyalty, earned over decades, pays dividends in skill, reliability and pride," McCauley and Collins wrote. Their words speak to the generations of families who have worked at the plants, building careers and supporting their communities on the foundation of stable manufacturing jobs.

This investment is more than just an expansion; it's a reaffirmation of a decades-long pact. It provides a sense of security and optimism for the future, countering the narrative of decline that has plagued many manufacturing towns across the country. As the mayors concluded, this commitment is a beacon of hope. "In an age when so much feels uncertain, we still believe that when America builds at home, we create hope and opportunity. If you want to know where manufacturing is headed, look to Clyde, Marion and the places across Ohio where it never left."