The Tulsa Regional Chamber announced that Whirlpool Corporation plans to add around 150 new jobs and $18.8 million in capital investment at its Tulsa facility beginning in 2014.
The project is part of Whirlpool Corporation’s plan to invest more than $1 billion in its U.S. operations.
Whirlpool, which currently employs approximately 850 at north Tulsa’s Cherokee Industrial Park, plans to manufacture a new cooking product at its Tulsa facility.
The Whirlpool Tulsa Division, which first opened in 1996, is a leading producer of freestanding ranges.
“We are extremely excited that Whirlpool is expanding its operations and creating more jobs in Tulsa,” said Governor Mary Fallin. “Whirlpool’s investment in Oklahoma is a great vote of confidence in the state’s pro-business climate and its long term economic outlook. My thanks go out to Whirlpool and its employees for continuing to be an important part of our Oklahoma community.”
Tulsa Mayor Dewey Bartlett said Whirlpool’s decision to grow its operation in Tulsa is a testament to the city’s ability to cultivate successful companies.
“Tulsa continues to attract significant job creation and capital investment, and we are thrilled that Whirlpool has decided to expand its local operations,” Bartlett said. “This announcement further highlights the business-friendly environment in Tulsa and shows that companies are growing and achieving great success here.”
Tulsa Regional Chamber President and CEO Mike Neal said Whirlpool is an important piece of the northeast Oklahoma economy and is a tremendous corporate citizen.
“Whirlpool’s decision to grow its Tulsa operations will boost the economy of northeast Oklahoma on many levels,” Neal said. “Whirlpool continues to be an integral partner in our region’s economic development, and we are proud of the company’s continued commitment to the Tulsa area.”
Of the products Whirlpool Corporation makes, more than 80 percent of those sold in the United States are U.S. made, the company reported. Whirlpool thanked local and state officials for their support as the company continues to grow in Tulsa.
“This announcement reflects our confidence that the Whirlpool Tulsa workforce can continue to deliver winning products in the marketplace,” said Jeff Durham, Whirlpool vice president of North America manufacturing. “We are grateful for the strong support and partnership of our state and local officials that helped make this project a reality.”