Overview
Maytag Corporation was a major American appliance manufacturer best known for washing machines, dryers, refrigerators, ranges, and other household appliances. Founded in the late 19th century in Newton, Iowa, the company became one of the most recognized appliance brands in the United States.
Over time, Maytag expanded through acquisitions including Magic Chef, Admiral, Norge, Hoover, and Jenn-Air before ultimately being acquired by Whirlpool Corporation in 2006.
Technical Specifications
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Company Name | Maytag Corporation |
| Founded | 1893 |
| Founder | Frederick Louis Maytag |
| Headquarters | Newton, Iowa |
| Industry | Household appliances |
| Major Products | Washers, dryers, refrigerators, ranges |
| Acquired Brands | Magic Chef, Admiral, Norge, Jenn-Air, Hoover |
| Successor Company | Whirlpool Corporation |
Physical Description
Maytag manufactured residential washing machines, dryers, refrigerators, freezers, cooking appliances, dishwashers, and vacuum cleaners. Products were marketed throughout North America and internationally through appliance retailers and department stores.
History
Maytag began in 1893 as the Parsons Band Cutter & Self Feeder Company in Newton, Iowa. The company initially manufactured agricultural equipment before expanding into washing machine production during the early 1900s.
The company was renamed Maytag Company after founder Frederick Louis Maytag. By the mid-20th century, Maytag had become one of the leading washing machine manufacturers in the United States and developed a strong reputation for appliance reliability.
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Maytag expanded through major acquisitions. In 1986, the company acquired Magic Chef, which also included the Admiral and Norge appliance brands. Later acquisitions included Jenn-Air and Hoover.
During the early 2000s, increasing competition from foreign appliance manufacturers affected profitability. In 2006, Whirlpool Corporation acquired Maytag Corporation, consolidating several major American appliance brands under Whirlpool ownership.
The Maytag brand continues to be used on household appliances today.
Historical Addresses
Corporate Headquarters
Maytag Corporation
403 West Fourth Street North
Newton, Iowa 50208
Original Company
Parsons Band Cutter & Self Feeder Company
Newton, Iowa
Historical Timeline
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1893 | Parsons Band Cutter & Self Feeder Company founded |
| Early 1900s | Expansion into washing machine production |
| 1925 | Company officially renamed Maytag Company |
| Mid-1900s | Becomes major American appliance manufacturer |
| 1986 | Acquisition of Magic Chef and Admiral appliance brands |
| 1989 | Acquisition of Chicago Pacific Corporation and Hoover |
| 2001 | Acquisition of Jenn-Air completed |
| 2006 | Acquired by Whirlpool Corporation |
References
- Wikipedia: Maytag
Corporate history and appliance brand information. - Whirlpool Corporation History
Information regarding Whirlpool acquisition of Maytag. - Encyclopedia Britannica: Maytag Corporation
Historical overview of the company and appliance manufacturing.