Whirlpool Boosts US Manufacturing with $300M Ohio Investment
Appliance giant to upgrade laundry facilities and create up to 600 new jobs, signaling confidence amid recent stock pressures.
Whirlpool Corporation (NYSE: WHR) has announced a significant capital injection of $300 million to expand and upgrade its laundry manufacturing facilities in Ohio. The strategic investment is aimed at boosting production capabilities for its next-generation washers and dryers, underscoring the company's commitment to its American manufacturing footprint.
The move is expected to create between 400 and 600 new jobs at its plants in Clyde and Marion, Ohio, further solidifying the company's long-standing presence in the state. The Clyde facility is already the largest washing machine plant in the world. This investment signals strong confidence in future product demand, even as the company's stock has faced headwinds in the market, trading near its 52-week low at the time of the announcement.
This capital allocation comes at a critical time for Whirlpool. The company's shares have declined over 33% year-to-date, pressured by a challenging economic environment and shifting consumer demand for large appliances. The stock dropped over 10% on July 29, 2025, after the company . However, the company has a strong history of rewarding shareholders, having .
Management emphasized that this investment reinforces its dedication to innovation and job creation in the United States. Approximately 80% of the major appliances Whirlpool sells in the U.S. are manufactured domestically, a figure that stands in sharp contrast to the 25% average for its competitors. This domestic focus provides a strategic advantage, potentially insulating the company from global supply chain volatility and tariffs.
Wall Street analysts currently hold a "Neutral" consensus rating on Whirlpool stock, with price targets ranging from $63 to $145. While some analysts remain cautious due to market challenges, others see potential upside. A recent Discounted Cash Flow analysis suggested the stock could be trading at a significant , indicating a potential undervaluation by the market.
The successful execution of the expansion is contingent on the final approval of financial incentives from JobsOhio and the State of Ohio. Despite recent performance, analysts anticipate growth in Whirlpool's net income this year, and this substantial investment in its core U.S. operations could be a key catalyst for its future trajectory.