One of Kentucky’s most prominent employers as set to make a sizable change to its operations.
GE Appliances is expanding its global corporate headquarters at Appliance Park in Jefferson County with a $490 million investment.
From China to Louisville
The expansion represents a collaborative effort with state and local leaders and is one of the largest private-sector economic development projects in recent years.
The move also brings laundry production to Louisville as they move production of the GE Profile Combo Washer/Dryer and the GE Profile UltraFresh Front Load Washer line away from China.
“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,” said Kevin Nolan, President and CEO, GE Appliances. “This decision is our most recent product reshoring and aligns with the current economic and policy environment.”
The project will move production of more than 15 models of front-load washers to Building 2 at Appliance Park.
The building will be redesigned to showcase the latest in automation, robotics and material-handling technologies including Automated Guided Vehicles and Autonomous Mobile Robots.
In total, the project is estimated to create an additional 800 full-time jobs.
“Today’s announcement brings more appliance manufacturing back to the United States and solidifies Kentucky and Louisville as the global headquarters of GE Appliances,” said Governor Andy Beshear. “GE Appliances is one of Kentucky’s most important companies and signature brands, and we are excited about this additional commitment.”
Contributing Billions
This latest announcement builds on GE Appliances’ pattern of growth.
In 2021 the company announced a $450 million expansion creating more than 1,000 full-time jobs.
That investment included the installation of two new dishwasher manufacturing lines, new top-load washer models and four-door refrigerator production.
The investment positioned Appliance Park as the largest plant of its kind in the United States.
“Manufacturing in Louisville puts production closer to our designers, engineers and consumers so that together we can create our most innovative laundry platforms,” said Lee Lagomarcino, Vice President, Clothes Care, GE Appliances. “The team has already developed new solutions for American households and can’t wait to get started making them. The new full-size capacity products have features that save time and offer unparalleled convenience. We created the full-size washer/dryer combo laundry category, and we intend to maintain our leadership position with consumers.”
Since 2016, GE Appliances has invested more than $3.5 billion in its U.S. manufacturing and distribution operations.
The company recently released its 2024 economic impact analysis, which reported that GE Appliances’ investments, supplier base, customers and payroll contributed $12.8 billion to Kentucky’s GDP last year.
“I am thrilled GE Appliances will continue to build the world’s best appliances at its global headquarters in Louisville,” said Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg. “This half-billion-dollar investment is a huge deal that will create 800 good, local jobs and secure GE Appliances’ growth in Louisville for the next generation.”
Additionally, GE Appliances spent $318 million with more than 480 Kentucky suppliers.
About Appliance Park
Louisville’s Appliance Park is GE Appliances’ largest manufacturing operation, with more than 6 million-square-feet for the production of washers, dryers, dishwashers and refrigerators.
GE Appliances began production at Appliance Park in 1953.
The campus sits on 750 acres in southern Jefferson County, serves as the company’s global headquarters and includes marketing, sales and support functions.
Appliance Park also houses the company’s technology and engineering center, industrial design, distribution center and warehouse operations.
GE Appliances employs more than 8,000 people full-time at Appliance Park and a nearby call center.
The new product lines are scheduled to begin production in 2027.
For more information on GE Appliances, visit geappliancesco.com.
