Whirlpool Corp. in Benton Harbor today unveiled a new $60-million, 153,000-square-foot technology center in St. Joseph, Mich.
The project expands and replaces much of the current St. Joseph Technology Center. This is the first of a three phase plan to redesign a research and development facility that has been home to decades of appliance innovations.
“In 1911, the first electric washing machines were built here in St. Joseph, and we continue to grow that legacy with the investment in this new, state-of-the-art technology center,” says Marc Bitzer, CEO and chairman of Whirlpool.
“We are committed to this community, and to improving life at home for families around the world. This new technology hub helps enable both of these promises by creating a new space where future innovation will come to life.”
The expanded St. Joseph Technology Center is LEED Silver certified, a globally recognized ranking of sustainability achievement and leadership. The work that is done in this new facility will be focused on delivering consumer solutions through the washers, dryers, dishwashers, and small appliance products.
The appliances will be designed and tested at the new center, including the KitchenAid Stand Mixer. The facility employs more than 500 technicians, engineers, designers, and adjacent roles, and contains 21 testing labs.
“This new building offers state-of-the-art technology for product design, development, and testing to help address consumer needs now and for the future,” says Pam Klyn, executive vice president of corporate relations and sustainability at Whirlpool.
“The appliances designed within the four walls of this new technology center will represent new levels of innovation and sustainability so consumers can feel confident they are making the right choice for their lifestyle and the environment.”
Whirlpool products, the company states, have continuously improved water and energy efficiency, while increasing performance benefits to consumers for decades. The average clothes washers built today use nearly 78 percent less energy than those built in 1992, while their capacity has increased by 60 percent.
In addition, most dishwashers developed by the company are already 3 to 4 times more water-efficient than hand washing — with the potential to save over 2,500 gallons of water per home each year.
As employees begin to transition to the new building, work will continue into 2024 to complete the next phases of the St. Joseph Technology Center project, including renovation of the facade of the remaining portion and increased parking to improve access for employees.
Whirlpool states it has invested more than $230 million in new or expanded facilities in the St. Joseph and Benton Harbor communities in the last 10 years. The corporation also invested an additional $23 million in the 80-unit Emma Jean Hull Flats housing development in Benton Harbor, which opened in June.
The company’s brands include Whirlpool, KitchenAid, Maytag, Consul, Brastemp, Amana, Bauknecht, JennAir, Indesit, Yummly, and InSinkErator.
In 2022, the company reported approximately $20 billion in annual sales, 61,000 employees, and 56 manufacturing and technology research centers.
For more information, visit www.WhirlpoolCorp.com.
