Whirlpool Corporation plans to expand its operations in Tulsa, Oklahoma with the addition of a new Factory Distribution Center (FDC). Adjacent to its existing manufacturing plant, the warehouse will support increased production capacity and improve efficiencies within the existing supply chain across North America, while simultaneously supporting growth in the region.
"This new facility will help us streamline operations, from both a production and distribution standpoint, and ultimately allow us to better serve our customers throughout the region," said Jim Keppler, vice president, Integrated Supply Chain and Quality - North America Region at Whirlpool Corporation. "This investment is a testament to our skilled workforce in Tulsa and our strong relationship with the state of Oklahoma and the Tulsa community. We're excited to break ground and bring this project to life."
Construction of the new, 798,000-square-foot facility is expected to begin in mid-November 2018, with a targeted completion date of December 2019. A $55 million capital investment in the FDC will allow Whirlpool Corporation to expand manufacturing and distribution at its Tulsa plant, which currently produces more than two million cooking appliance products each year. The FDC will also create a central location among the company's existing distribution centers in North America, further enhancing the company's supply chain.
"Today's announcement by Whirlpool represents yet another major investment in the Tulsa community by one of the top companies in the world," Mayor G.T. Bynum said. "Whirlpool has been a steadfast corporate citizen, and one of the region's leaders in recruiting Tulsans of all backgrounds and nationalities into their workforce. They are a model of the work we are advocating through the New Tulsans Initiative, and we look forward to ensuring they are able to continue to grow their operations in the region."
The expansion project will support the creation of an estimated 150 additional manufacturing jobs in Tulsa.
"This investment by Whirlpool will ensure its long-term viability in our state, and recognizes the strong economic growth of our economy," said Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin. "We are excited to add these new jobs and investment in our state. This is another indication that our commitment to pro-business policies is helping to retain and attract a wide variety of jobs and businesses to our state."
Whirlpool Corporation is working with retail developer The Pizzuti Companies and design-build contractor ARCO Design/Build for the expansion project. Pizzuti has previously supported the development of more than a dozen office and industrial facilities for Whirlpool Corporation around the United States.
About Whirlpool Corporation
Whirlpool Corporation (NYSE: WHR) is the world's leading major home appliance company, with approximately $21 billion in annual sales, 92,000 employees and 70 manufacturing and technology research centers in 2017. The company markets Whirlpool, KitchenAid, Maytag, Consul, Brastemp, Amana, Bauknecht, JennAir, Indesit and other major brand names in nearly every country throughout the world. Additional information about the company can be found at WhirlpoolCorp.com, or find us on Twitter at @WhirlpoolCorp.