Whirlpool Corp. has unveiled a new, 153,000-square-foot technology center in St. Joseph, Mich. The more than $60 million project expands and replaces much of the current St. Joseph Technology Center – and represents the first of a three-phase plan to redesign an R&D facility that has been home to decades of company 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,” said Whirlpool Chairman and CEO Marc Bitzer. “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 focus on designing and testing washers, dryers, dishwashers, and small appliance products.
The facility – which contains 21 testing labs – employs more than 500 technicians, engineers, designers, and adjacent roles.
“This $60 million investment by Whirlpool builds on the company’s longstanding commitment to southwest Michigan,” said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. “This transformative project will help Whirlpool attract top talent; put more people on paths to good-paying, high-skill jobs; and continue our mission to help anyone ‘make it’ in Michigan. Our unemployment rate is the lowest it has been in 23 years; we are moving forward on housing and community revitalization projects across the state; and we just delivered a bipartisan budget to lower costs, expand workforce programs, and power economic development. We look forward to continuing our work together to build a bright future.”
Whirlpool Corp. has invested more than $230 million in new or expanded facilities in the St. Joseph and Benton Harbor communities within the last 10 years. The company also invested an additional $23 million in the 80-unit Emma Jean Hull Flats housing development in Benton Harbor, which opened in June.
“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,” said Pam Klyn, Whirlpool’s executive vice president of corporate relations and sustainability. “The appliances designed within the four walls of this new technology center will represent new levels of innovation and sustainability so that consumers can feel confident they are making the right choice for their lifestyle and the environment.”
