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Whirlpool to close Michigan facility

Whirlpool Corp. has announced plans to close its machining facility in Benton Harbor, Mich., at year-end 2010 or early 2011, eliminating 216 jobs. The announcement follows a comprehensive review of asset utilization of the company’s laundry manufacturing facilities.

The company's new laundry platforms are more energy- and water-efficient, according to the company, and they use new and fewer parts. "New innovations have eliminated many of the traditional components produced at the Benton Harbor facility," said Al Holaday, vice president, manufacturing operations, North America region. "The new streamlined internal components will be machined at the Clyde [Ohio] Division.

"Closing a facility is a difficult decision," said Holaday. "We are announcing this several months in advance as part of our commitment to make the transition as smooth as possible. We plan to work closely with the local Michigan Works office to assure assistance for these highly skilled and capable individuals to find employment in the local area."