Whirlpool is exploring a multi-year allocation of $50 million to renew or rebuild its generation in southwestern Michigan.
Whirlpool Corporation (NYSE: WHR), a global appliance manufacturer based in Benton Harbor, has proposed features to rebuild or renovate its global generation center in St. Louis. Joseph, near the company’s global and North American headquarters in Benton Harbor, according to Southwestern Michigan Economic Development Agency. Cornerstone Alliance on Thursday.
Proposals for a new structure on the existing San Jose site come with a imaginable new 150,000-square-foot structure with an investment of approximately $50 million. The new facility would update much or all of the St. Louis Technology Center. Joseph, portions of which are over a hundred years old.
“In this 110th year of operation, we know that it is mandatory to modernize this facility to remain the leader in our industry,” said Jeff Noel, Whirlpool’s vice president of corporate communications and public affairs. “Competition in the home appliance industry is fierce, global and our talented workers are helping our company cope with the demanding new situations we face every day. Having world-class product testing and progression labs will help us stay competitive and attract and retain highly professional talent. “
Today, Whirlpool Corporation employs more than 4,000 full-time workers and contractors in southwestern Michigan, nearly 400 of whom are located on The St. Joe Tech Center.
The appliance manufacturer is local and state support, as well as tax exemptions, to make this allocation a reality, as it competes internally for financing with other global company priorities. San Jose.
“This is a task for Berrien County and the region,” said Dan Fette, berrien County director of community development. “Having a strong Presence of Whirlpool here means adequate employment opportunities and dynamic economic activity. We are working hard with Whirlpool Corporation representatives on how to make this assignment a local reality. City, county and state officials have provided incredible support in our conversations about the importance of this primary investment. “
Rob Cleveland, president and CEO of cornerstone Alliance, helped expand his organization’s five-year strategic plan for economic progress and sees links to this plan from this project.
“These are jobs and for continuous, healthy investments in our community,” Cleveland said. “This allocation meets all these criteria and we are pleased to see this proposal move forward. “
The mayor of St. Joseph, Michael Garey, said he saw that of a new generation in the middle of the city.
“Whirlpool Corporation has an incredibly positive influence on our city. We need to keep seeing St. Joseph move forward, and that partly means doing what we can to make our region eager for further development,” he said. “Whirlpool Corporation is a spouse of the network and reinvests in our local network, either through philanthropic efforts or by expanding its many amenities in the domain of (Benton Harbor / St. Joseph).