Pressing Forward: GE Appliances Expands Cooking Products Operation in LaFayette, Ga.
Pressing Forward: GE Appliances Expands Cooking Products Operation in LaFayette, Ga.
Expansion is result of GE's $88 million investment in new product manufacturing
Huge new press allows more insourcing of metal parts
New GE products/investment adds 90 jobs
LOUISVILLE, Ky.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Today, GE Appliances leaders, joined by Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal and Sen. Johnny Isakson, cut the ribbon on the new plant expansion at GE's cooking products plant in LaFayette, Ga.* The expansion accommodates a new 1,100 ton power press that will enable the plant to increase its metal fabrication capability as part of a program to insource metal parts to support the manufacturing of a new line of wall ovens. Insourcing and new product production have led to the creation of 90 new jobs at the LaFayette plant.
The plant expansion accommodates a new 1,100 ton power press that will enable the plant to increase its metal fabrication capability as part of a program to insource metal parts to support the manufacturing of a new line of wall ovens. (Photo: GE)
GE Appliances invested $88 million to support the new line of GE wall ovens and to update the freestanding range products manufactured at the plant, all of which will feature new styling and appearance. The investment is part of a $1 billion investment GE Appliances is making to revitalize its U.S. plants, products and services. So far, the $1 billion investment has created over 3,000 jobs.
"GE's investment has had a positive impact on the LaFayette economy. We employed more than 40 local companies in our expansion project. The community and our employees can be proud of the innovative, new products built in LaFayette. They will delight consumers across the nation," said GE Appliances President and CEO Chip Blankenship.
"The LaFayette production expansion is a perfect example of insourcing the manufacturing of products currently made in other countries," said Deal. "GE's investment not only provides inroads toward future growth, but it also creates jobs and fosters a sense of pride among local employees who are making industry-first GE appliance products."
"I congratulate GE today on its expansion in LaFayette and applaud the company's commitment to grow manufacturing plants in the United States," said Isakson. "GE's forward-thinking initiatives have brought about new products, ensuring continued development and jobs in Georgia. I am pleased to celebrate with the employees of GE and residents of LaFayette today."
About the new GE Profile™ wall ovens
GE's new Profile wall ovens feature the latest cooking technology—True European Convection with Direct Air.** New vents on the top of the oven cavity—an industry first in full-size ovens—focus air directly on the food, providing significantly increased air flow and great cooking performance.
Because great food shouldn't come with a sacrifice of time or convenience, an iPhone® and Android™ app lets consumers remotely control the Brillion™-enabled ovens with Wi-Fi access.***
They can preheat, set the timer, change the temperature or cooking function, and check cooking status while managing other household activities. The current feature allows control via mobile app from within the home or yard, and a remote option will be available as an upgrade at a later date.
The wall ovens will fit in 75 percent of existing wall oven cutouts already in consumers' homes, making them ideal for remodeling.****
The wall ovens retail for an MSRP of $999 - $3,599.***** Models are available in black, white and stainless finishes. GE models are available in single- and double-oven configurations in both 30 and 27 inches.
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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.
*GE's LaFayette, Ga. cooking products facility, which goes by Roper Corporation, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of GE Appliances.
**True European Convection with Direct Air only available on 30-inch models.
***Requires the GE Brillion iPhone® or Android™ app for smartphones or tablets. Available for free from iTunes® and the Google Play store. iPhone and iTunes are registered trademarks of Apple Inc. © 2012 Google Inc. All rights reserved. Android is a trademark of Google Inc.
**** Install base of Whirlpool, Jenn-air, Maytag, KitchenAid, GE and Kenmore is determined by historical share data from Traqline. Maytag models from 2005 to current; assumes install followed recommended installation guidelines. Kenmore models from 1993-2005; assumes install followed recommended installation guidelines.
*****Retailers set their own prices.
Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available:http://www.businesswire.com/multimedia/home/20130809005031/en/
GE Appliances
Kim Freeman, 502-452-7819
kim_freeman@ge.com
KEYWORDS: United States North America Connecticut Georgia Kentucky
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The article Pressing Forward: GE Appliances Expands Cooking Products Operation in LaFayette, Ga. originally appeared on Fool.com.
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