Whirlpool opens new distribution center

0

GREENVILLE — Dignitaries, employees and company retirees gathered Thursday to help Whirlpool Corporation conduct a ribbon cutting ceremony, to celebrate the successful expansion of the company’s Greenville, Ohio, Factory Distribution Center (FDC).

The new center, constructed at a cost of $17 million, nearly doubles the size of the facility, which currently services KitchenAid small appliance shipments throughout the world.

“Let’s get this party started,” said Ken Hossler, Plant Lead at Greenville, kicking off the festivities.

The project — which nearly doubles the size of the FDC from 327,000 square feet to approximately 650,000 square feet — builds upon Whirlpool Corporation’s commitment to American manufacturing and reinforces Greenville as the global hub of the company’s small appliances business.

The FDC exports to regions throughout the world. Greenville Operations manufactures stand mixers, stand mixer attachments and accessories, hand mixers, blenders, aerated beverage machines and cutlery blocks under the KitchenAid brand.

Among those who spoke Thursday were Greenville Mayor Steve Willman, who congratulated the company’s employees and said the new center was “a celebration of what’s to come.”

Sandra Brasington, representing Ohio Gov. John Kasich, presented the company with a proclamation commending Whirlpool on its expansion.

Jim Keppler, Vice President, Integrated Supply Chain & Quality at Whirlpool Corporation, was on hand to tell workers they are “one of the best workforces in the state of Ohio.”

“It’s the experience, it’s the dedication, and the passion that our employees show that really made it an easy decision for us to expand operations here in Greenville,” he said.

To cut the ribbon, Hossler invited two longtime employees to assist — Michael Treadway and Steve Thornton, who have worked at KitchenAid for a combined 81 years.

Currently, Whirlpool Corporation has approximately 10,000 workers across its five manufacturing plants in Ohio, many of whom are second- and third-generation employees. The company is continuing to invest in the workforce in Ohio, through initiatives such as the 2016 Manufacturing Day celebrations, which saw the company invite hundreds local high schoolers into the plant to learn more about the career opportunities there.

Additional information about the company can be found at WhirlpoolCorp.com.

Longtime KitchenAid employees Michael Treadway and Steve Thornton (center) cut the ribbon to officially open the company’s new factory distribution center Thursday. They are joined by Greenville Mayor Steve Willman, JobsOhio Representative Jonathan Bridges, Gov. John Kasich Aide Sandra Brasington, Foundations Construction Manager Mark Schmunk, FDC Leader Marlana McClain, Plant Leader Ken Hossler, and Whirlpool Vice President Jim Keppler.
https://www.dailyadvocate.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/web1_Whirlpool-9366-PRINT.jpgLongtime KitchenAid employees Michael Treadway and Steve Thornton (center) cut the ribbon to officially open the company’s new factory distribution center Thursday. They are joined by Greenville Mayor Steve Willman, JobsOhio Representative Jonathan Bridges, Gov. John Kasich Aide Sandra Brasington, Foundations Construction Manager Mark Schmunk, FDC Leader Marlana McClain, Plant Leader Ken Hossler, and Whirlpool Vice President Jim Keppler. Erik Martin | The Daily Advocate

Whirlpool’s new KitchenAid Factory Distribution Center nearly doubles the amount of space at the company’s Greenville facility. Shown is the center’s front entrance.
https://www.dailyadvocate.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/web1_Whirlpool-9376-PRINT.jpgWhirlpool’s new KitchenAid Factory Distribution Center nearly doubles the amount of space at the company’s Greenville facility. Shown is the center’s front entrance. Erik Martin | The Daily Advocate
$17 million project doubles facility size

By Erik Martin

[email protected]

The writer may be reached at 937-569-4314. Join the conversation and get updates on Facebook search Darke County Sports or Advocate 360. For more features online go to dailyadvocate.com

No posts to display