Whirlpool Gets Fed Support

The reinvention of manufacturing is a constant battle. Here is evidence of U.S. government support for American manufacturing, from Whirlpool Corp. in Benton Harbor, Michigan.

The U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) took an important step Dec. 19, 2012 toward leveling the playing field for U.S. manufacturers as it gave its final ruling in a case involving imports of large residential washers from South Korea and Mexico. The DOC concluded that foreign manufacturers, including LG and Samsung, are dumping large residential washers into the U.S. market, violating U.S. and international trade laws.

The ruling was in response to a petition filed by Whirlpool Corporation (NYSE: WHR) in December 2011 to promote a fair and open global trading system, to provide U.S. consumers with greater choice and to reinforce its ability to continue to innovate and invest in the United States.

"This decision is an important victory for our 22,000 dedicated U.S. employees, the consumers we serve and the U.S. appliance industry," said Marc Bitzer, President, Whirlpool North America Region. "Whirlpool has made substantial investments to increase production here in the United States and to fuel innovation that creates superior products for consumers. On a level playing field, we are confident that Whirlpool will continue to produce leading innovative products demonstrating the vitality of American manufacturing."

In a separate case, the DOC also ruled that unlawful subsidies were provided on the same products from South Korea. The DOC determined countervailing duty margins of 72.30 percent for Daewoo and 1.85 percent for Samsung.

As part of the company's strategic commitment to invest in U.S. manufacturing to supply the U.S. market, Whirlpool Corp. has made significant investments at its Clyde, Ohio, plant where it manufactures large residential washers. As a result of these investments, Whirlpool Corp. now manufacturers all of its large residential washers for the U.S. market in Clyde, Ohio.

Next Steps:

 The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) is expected to vote in mid-January 2013regarding injury to the domestic industry caused by the dumped and subsidized imports

Final orders are expected to be published with the issuance of final affirmative determinations from the DOC and the ITC.

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