GE Appliances, a subsidiary of China’s Haier Smart Home, has announced a significant strategic shift by investing $490 million to relocate its washing machine production from China to its headquarters in Louisville, Kentucky. This move is expected to create 800 new full-time jobs and marks a substantial step in the company’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its U.S. manufacturing presence.
The investment will focus on expanding the company’s Appliance Park facility, which already employs approximately 8,000 workers across five factories. The expansion will add production lines for over 15 models of front-load washers and combination washer-dryer units. Once operational in 2027, the upgraded factory will feature advanced automation and robotics, making it GE Appliances’ most innovative laundry production facility to date.
Kevin Nolan, CEO of GE Appliances, emphasized the importance of manufacturing products closer to consumers. “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,” Nolan stated. “This decision is our most recent product reshoring and aligns with.”
The decision to shift production back to the U.S. aligns with recent U.S. economic and policy conditions, including tariffs imposed under President Donald Trump. These tariffs have encouraged companies to reconsider their overseas manufacturing strategies and invest more heavily in domestic production.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear praised the decision, highlighting its positive impact on the local economy and manufacturing base. “Today’s announcement brings more appliance … Beshear said. “This investment will create hundreds of good-paying jobs and further strengthen our state’s economy.”
GE Appliances has a history of investing in its U.S. operations. Over the past decade, the company has invested $3.5 billion domestically, with a significant portion allocated to its Louisville facility. The Appliance Park site has seen various expansions, including a $450 million investment in new dishwasher manufacturing lines completed in 2023, which added over 1,000 jobs.
The company’s commitment to U.S. manufacturing extends beyond Kentucky. GE Appliances operates additional manufacturing plants in South Carolina, … , and Connecticut. These facilities contribute to the company’s goal of producing appliances closer to its customer base, enhancing supply chain resilience, and reducing delivery times.
The move to reshore washer production is part of a broader industry trend. Other appliance manufacturers, such as LG Electronics and Samsung, have also expanded their U.S. operations in response to changing trade policies and consumer preferences.
Once the new manufacturing lines are operational in 2027, the total area devoted to … . The redesigned factory will incorporate the latest in automation, robotics, and material-handling technologies, including automated guided vehicles and autonomous … .
GE Appliances’ decision to invest in U.S. manufacturing reflects a strategic commitment to innovation, job creation, and economic growth. By bringing production closer to home, the company aims to better serve its customers while contributing to the revitalization of American manufacturing.
