Production Starts on GE's High-Efficiency Topload Washing Machines, Creating 150 New U.S. Jobs

Production Starts on GE's High-Efficiency Topload Washing Machines, Creating 150 New U.S. Jobs

• GE Appliances invests $60 million in new high-efficiency washing machine facility and product, creating 150 new jobs and supporting about 40 domestic suppliers

• Popularity of high-efficiency washing technology drives more innovation and investment in topload washing machines

• GE's Louisville-based Appliance Park creates about 1,500 production jobs in 2012 as part of an $800 million investment

LOUISVILLE, Ky.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- — GE's Louisville, Ky. washing machine factory that has been spinning out topload washers since 1953 has added another cycle to its production— "overdrive." The factory that now employs 928 will keep producing current models at a rapid pace, and has started production of the most energy-efficient, feature-rich, topload washing machine in its history, which added another 150 new U.S. jobs in the process.

Denise Masterson, a first-shift operator at GE Appliances, works on the new topload washer at Appliance Park in Louisville. (Photo: GE)

The popularity of high-efficiency (HE) washing machines that drove the growth of frontload washing machines for the last 10 years has spread to topload configurations, which is now the fastest-growing segment of the washing-machine industry. This makes GE's investment in new HE topload washing machines a smart business move and welcome news to the local community. In fact, over the last couple of years, sales of HE topload washers, which sell in the higher price points of topload units, have increased, while sales of frontload washers have declined over the same period.

To be categorized as a HE washer, the machines use an impeller instead of an agitator, which allows them to use less water and energy than a traditional washer. "GE's new HE topload is around 60 percent more water efficient than a traditional topload washer," said Heather Koyama, GE Appliances topload washing machine product manager. "There is no agitator in an HE washer, so the extra capacity lets the washer hold more clothes. The higher spin speeds allow more moisture to be removed from the clothes, which saves energy in the dryer."

GE not only expects these new units to be a big plus for the company, but investing in manufacturing in Louisville is also boosting business for about 40 domestic suppliers, many of which are local or regional.

For example, rather than absorb the cost of building a painting operation for these new washing machines, GE has engaged a local supplier that cannot only provide high-quality paint finishes but, because the supplier is local and has expertise in this area, can quickly react to changing color trends in the industry or accommodate a special order for a GE customer.

In August 2011, Revere Plastics Systems, LLC, opened a plastics operation in Southern Indiana to support not only the new topload washers but a couple other products at Appliance Park. The new plant created about 190 jobs.

"Having a key supplier close to the manufacturing plant has tangible and intangible benefits," said Craig Kellogg, president, Revere Plastics Systems, LLC. "The tangible benefits are the obvious ones. We can be more responsive; if it is quickly modifying a part or ramping up production to satisfy an order. The intangible benefits come from being able to be in the buildings where the products are made. We can become more of a partner, seeing how what we do fits in with the overall product and process, which puts us in a position to quickly help find solutions if there are problems. That is a great benefit to both the customer and us. You just can't put a price on that, and you really can't do that from half way around the world."

GE Appliances Revitalization Update

In February of this year, GE Appliances opened its GeoSpring™ hybrid water heater facility in Louisville, Ky., kicking off a $1 billion investment, $800 million of that at Appliance Park in Louisville, which GE plans to make by 2014 to upgrade all of its product lines and revitalize several facilities, such as the GeoSpring hybrid water heater, bottom-freezer refrigerator and frontload washing machine factories. Since January of 2012, GE has hired about 1,500 production workers and has hired nearly 500 engineers.

In addition to the hybrid water heaters and bottom-freezer refrigerators now being produced in Louisville, preparation is underway to open another plant to make frontload washing machines and matching dryers in early 2013. Extensive investment is being made in Louisville to enhance product offerings in topload washing machines and dishwashers. GE will also be making upgrades in side-by-side refrigerators made in Bloomington, Ind., top freezers made in Decatur, Ala., and cooking products made in Lafayette, Ga.

Learn more about the new GE dishwashers incorporating Lean design and manufacturing principles:
http://pressroom.geconsumerproducts.com/pr/ge/ge-s-newest-dishwasher-production-237241.aspx

Learn more about GE's new French door refrigerators:
http://pressroom.geconsumerproducts.com/pr/ge/ge-unveils-french-door-refrigerator-230820.aspx?ncid=27728

http://pressroom.geconsumerproducts.com/pr/ge/ge-appliances-plans-second-shift-235717.aspx

About GE Appliances

GE Appliances is at the forefront of building innovative, energy-efficient appliances that improve people's lives. GE Appliances' products include refrigerators, freezers, cooking products, dishwashers, washers, dryers, air conditioners, water filtration systems and water heaters. General Electric (NYS: GE) works on things that matter to build a world that works better. For more information on GE Appliances, visit www.ge.com/appliances.

Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available:http://www.businesswire.com/multimedia/home/20121120005727/en/

GE Appliances
Kim Freeman, Global PR Manager, 502-452-7819
kim_freeman@ge.com

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