GE Appliances to Create 800 Jobs, Shift Washer Production to Kentucky

Major Transformation Ahead at GE Appliances: A $490 Million Investment to Repatriate Washer Production

In a strategic move to bolster its domestic manufacturing capabilities, GE Appliances announced a substantial $490 million investment aimed at creating 800 jobs while shifting production of some laundry products from China to Kentucky. This bold initiative will be centered at their expansive manufacturing hub in Louisville.

The investment promises to make GE Appliances the largest washer manufacturer in the United States. According to CEO Kevin Nolan, “We are bringing laundry production to our global headquarters in Louisville because manufacturing in the U.S. is fundamental to our ‘zero-distance’ business strategy to make appliances as close as possible to our customers and consumers.”

This move aligns with the current economic landscape where tariffs have been imposed on imports, including a 10% levy on most countries and up to 30% on Chinese goods. GE Appliances highlighted that nearly all steel used in its U.S. manufacturing operations is sourced domestically.

Production of the combo washer/dryer and a series of front load washers will be transferred to the Louisville site, which will eventually accommodate over 15 models of front load washers. Once fully operational, the production area at Appliance Park will cover an area equivalent to 33 football fields.

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear praised the investment, stating it affirms the state's importance as the global headquarters for GE Appliances despite his previous criticisms of the tariff policies. “Today’s announcement brings more appliance manufacturing back to the United States and solidifies Kentucky and Louisville as the global headquarters of GE Appliances,” Beshear remarked.

The revamped factory is set to become a cutting-edge manufacturing site, featuring advanced technologies like automation and robotics, with operations expected to begin in 2027. Currently, Building 1 at the complex produces top load washers and front load dryers.

While GE Appliances designs and engineers products at its Louisville headquarters, it has not had the capacity to produce all items domestically. The company's business strategy is to enhance U.S.-based production, and this new project is a significant step in that direction. Lee Lagomarcino, vice president of clothes care, noted, “Manufacturing in Louisville puts production closer to our designers, engineers and consumers so that together we can create our most innovative laundry platforms.”

The $490 million infusion is part of a broader growth strategy by GE Appliances, which has invested $3.5 billion in U.S. manufacturing over the past decade, with a significant portion allocated to Appliance Park. The Louisville complex currently employs around 8,000 workers and houses five plants producing various appliances, including washers, dryers, dishwashers, and refrigerators.

GE Appliances operates as a subsidiary of the China-based Haier Group.

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Associated Press Writer Paul Wiseman in Washington, D.C., contributed to this report.