Overview
Whirlpool Corporation is an American multinational appliance manufacturer and one of the world’s largest producers of household appliances. The company manufactures refrigerators, washers, dryers, ranges, dishwashers, microwave ovens, and other home appliances sold under numerous brand names.
Through acquisitions and mergers, Whirlpool became the successor owner of several historic appliance brands including Maytag, Admiral, Magic Chef, Jenn-Air, Amana, and KitchenAid.
Technical Specifications
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Company Name | Whirlpool Corporation |
| Founded | 1911 |
| Headquarters | Benton Harbor, Michigan |
| Industry | Household appliances |
| Major Products | Refrigerators, washers, dryers, ranges |
| Major Brands | Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid, Amana, Jenn-Air, Admiral |
| Global Operations | Worldwide manufacturing and distribution |
Physical Description
Whirlpool manufactures residential appliances including laundry equipment, refrigeration products, cooking appliances, dishwashers, microwave ovens, and small household appliances. Products are distributed globally through appliance dealers, department stores, and retail chains.
History
Whirlpool Corporation originated in 1911 as the Upton Machine Company in St. Joseph, Michigan. The company initially manufactured electric motor-driven wringer washing machines.
During the 1920s and 1930s, the company expanded appliance manufacturing operations and developed partnerships with major retailers including Sears.
In 1950, the company merged with Nineteen Hundred Corporation and adopted the Whirlpool name. Throughout the second half of the 20th century, Whirlpool expanded internationally and became one of the world’s leading appliance manufacturers.
Whirlpool acquired numerous major appliance brands over time, including KitchenAid, Roper, Estate, Inglis, and Amana.
In 2006, Whirlpool acquired Maytag Corporation, which also brought the Maytag-owned Admiral and Magic Chef appliance brands under Whirlpool ownership.
Whirlpool continues to operate as one of the largest appliance companies in the world.
Historical Addresses
Corporate Headquarters
Whirlpool Corporation
2000 North M-63
Benton Harbor, Michigan 49022
Original Company
Upton Machine Company
St. Joseph, Michigan
Historical Timeline
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1911 | Upton Machine Company founded |
| 1920s | Expansion of washing machine production |
| 1950 | Becomes Whirlpool Corporation |
| 1980s | Expansion through acquisitions |
| 1986 | Acquisition of KitchenAid |
| 2001 | Acquisition of Amana appliance business |
| 2006 | Acquisition of Maytag Corporation |
| 2000s-present | Expansion of global appliance operations |
References
- Whirlpool Corporation Official History
Corporate history and appliance brand development. - Wikipedia: Whirlpool Corporation
Company history, acquisitions, and brand information. - Encyclopedia Britannica: Whirlpool Corporation
Historical overview of Whirlpool and appliance manufacturing.