Gov. Whitmer cuts ribbon on latest Whirlpool investment to Southwest Michigan

 

ST. JOSEPH, Mich.- Since 2021, Whirlpool Corporation, based in Benton Harbor, has committed $250 million to rehabilitate and reconstruct its headquarters. A new technology center, just over the Paw Paw River in St. Joseph, had its official unveiling Friday. 

Governor Gretchen Whitmer had the honor of cutting the ribbon.   
 

“They make real investments in community, which is as important as a facility like this, the cutting-edge work it’s doing. The quality of life is important to them too, and that’s why they love Southwest Michigan,” Whitmer said.   
 

It’s another major investment in Berrien County.   
 

“This is a big investment in our community, in Whirlpool Corporation, but more than anything, in our employees,” said Pamela Klyn, Executive Vice President of Corporate Relations and Sustainability. “It’s important that we retain the fantastic talent that we have, and that we’re able to continue to attract strong technical talent to here in Southwest Michigan.”   
 

The St. Joseph Technology Center is a state-of-the-art facility to test and design Whirlpool’s laundry and kitchen appliances.   

“It’s hard to overstate the impact of whirlpool in this part of the state,” Whitmer said.   

The 153,000 square foot facility is a $60 million investment by Whirlpool and retains more than 500 full-time employees.   
 

“Putting a priority on the U.S., on Michigan, and specifically on Benton Harbor and St. Joe,” said Congressman Bill Huizenga. “That is saying a lot these days because you have options.”  

Touring the facility, you can see community hubs, coffee connect areas, shared innovation spaces, and dishwasher testing labs too. 

And CEO Marc Bitzer confirms the company will keep its corporate headquarters in Benton Harbor. 

“We have global headquarters here, we have our north American business here, we have our KitchenAid global business here,” Bitzer said. “We have our commercial laundry business here, we have our contact center here, we have our global consumer design, free tech center, and fabric science. There’s a lot of operations around here.”   
 

He said it's in their best interest to continue to grow and attract diverse local talent. 

“Yes, it’s a commitment to our roots, but frankly, from a business perspective, it is somewhat selfish,” Bitzer said. “It pays off for us. It makes good business sense to have a lot of operations here in Southwest Michigan.”