Where Are Whirlpool Appliances Made? A U.S. and Global Manufacturing Overview

April 20, 2025

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Whirlpool Corporation is one of the world’s leading home appliance manufacturers, known for brands like Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid, Amana, and Jenn-Air. From refrigerators and ovens to washing machines and dryers, Whirlpool’s products are found in millions of households. Given its prominence as an American appliance giant founded in 1911, many consumers wonder where Whirlpool appliances are made and how much of the production still happens in the United States. This article provides an analytical, informative look at Whirlpool’s manufacturing footprint – in the USA and around the globe – and what it means for quality, pricing, and “Made in USA” labeling.

Overview of Whirlpool Corporation

Whirlpool Corporation began in 1911 in Benton Harbor, Michigan, and over the past century it has grown into the largest appliance maker in the world. The company is a Fortune 500 firm with roughly $20–21 billion in annual sales and an international presence in about 170 countries. As a publicly traded company, Whirlpool remains independent – in fact, it is now the last U.S.-headquartered major appliance company (competitors like GE Appliances and Frigidaire are owned by foreign firms). Today Whirlpool employs approximately 78,000 people worldwide (about 27% of them in North America) and produces appliances under 11 major brand names including its flagship Whirlpool brand as well as acquired brands like Maytag (acquired 2006) and Indesit (acquired 2014). This massive scale has been achieved while maintaining a strong U.S. manufacturing base, which is central to the company’s identity and strategy.

Whirlpool’s Manufacturing Footprint: USA vs. International

Whirlpool manufactures the majority of its appliances in the United States, but it also operates numerous facilities abroad to serve global markets. According to company and news reports, around 80% of the appliances Whirlpool sells in the U.S. are manufactured in the U.S.. Whirlpool currently runs nine major U.S. manufacturing plants and dozens of international factories. Below is a breakdown of Whirlpool’s manufacturing footprint:

U.S. Manufacturing Facilities (Made in USA)

Examples of Whirlpool manufacturing origin labels: “Assembled in U.S.A” for refrigerators, “Made in Mexico” for gas ranges, and additional examples showing washer and combo units.

Whirlpool’s commitment to American manufacturing is evident in its network of large U.S. plants across several states. These facilities produce many of the core appliances for the U.S. market and employ thousands of American workers:

Amana, Iowa – ~3,000 employees. Produces refrigerators (notably French-door refrigerators) and some cooking appliancesa. This plant originally came from Whirlpool’s acquisition of Amana and is known for manufacturing high-end fridge models.
Tulsa, Oklahoma – ~2,000 employees. A newer facility (including a distribution center opened in 2020) supporting production and distribution of appliances in the central U.S.
Cleveland, Tennessee – ~1,500 employees. Focuses on cooking appliances such as ovens, stoves and ranges. Many Whirlpool and KitchenAid ovens/ranges are built here
Clyde, Ohio – ~3,000 employees. Home to the largest washing machine plant in the world, opened in 1952. This factory produces washing machines (top-load and front-load washers) for Whirlpool, Maytag, and Amana brands – over 20,000 washers per dayo. Both standard Whirlpool washers and premium models (e.g. Maytag’s Maxima front-load series) are made in Clyde.
Findlay, Ohio – ~2,600 employees. Manufactures dishwashers for the Whirlpool family of brands (Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid, etc.). The majority of Whirlpool-branded dishwashers (including KitchenAid dishwashers) come from this plant. (Notably, only one JennAir dishwasher model and one ADA-compliant Whirlpool model are imported from abroad; virtually all other dishwashers are U.S.-made.)
Greenville, Ohio – ~1,000+ employees. Famous for producing the iconic KitchenAid stand mixers and other small kitchen appliances. Whirlpool has kept stand mixer production in Greenville for decades to maintain quality and heritage.
Marion, Ohio – ~2,500 employees. Builds clothes dryers (matching the Clyde washers). For example, Amana and Maytag dryers and some Whirlpool dryers are assembled in Marion. This plant, along with Clyde, makes Ohio a hub for laundry appliance manufacturing.
Ottawa, Ohio – ~400 employees. Specializes in freezers, including chest freezers and upright freezers, under Whirlpool’s Amana and Maytag brands. These freezers are among the products that Whirlpool proudly labels as made in Ohio.
Fall River, Massachusetts – ~51 employees. A smaller facility (one of Whirlpool’s smallest) that is involved in specialized production. This plant is often noted for making specialty parts or niche products (for example, it has been involved in commercial laundry equipment and appliance components).

Across these U.S. factories, Whirlpool employs roughly 15,000 manufacturing workers in America. The U.S. plants produce the bulk of appliances for Whirlpool’s North American market, underscoring the company’s emphasis on domestic production. Whirlpool has even invested heavily to upgrade these facilities – about $4 billion in U.S. plant investments over five years – to keep them competitive and efficient.

International Manufacturing (Mexico, Europe, Asia and More)

While Whirlpool manufactures extensively in the U.S., it also maintains a global manufacturing presence to serve other regions and certain product lines. In total, Whirlpool operates over 30 manufacturing sites worldwide (and 70+ manufacturing and technology centers if you include R&D)<References: whirlpoolcorp.com >. Key international manufacturing locations include:

Mexico: Whirlpool has three factories in Mexico that produce appliances primarily for Mexico and other Latin American markets (and some models for the U.S. as well). For instance, certain top-freezer refrigerators and affordable range ovens are assembled in Mexico to take advantage of regional supply chains. (One Whirlpool plant in Reynosa, Mexico was closed in 2008, but other facilities continue to operate in the country.)
Europe: Whirlpool’s European operations are significant, especially after acquiring the Italian appliance maker Indesit in 2014. The company now runs multiple factories across Europe, including 5 plants in Italy and 3 in Poland, as well as sites in Slovakia, Turkey, and Russia. These factories build products for the European, Middle Eastern, and African markets under brand names like Whirlpool, Indesit, Hotpoint, and Bauknecht. Italy is a major hub – Whirlpool is one of the largest appliance producers in Italy – manufacturing everything from washing machines and dishwashers to high-end built-in ovens for European consumers. Poland hosts large Whirlpool factories too, reflecting a strategy to leverage skilled labor in Eastern Europe.
China: Whirlpool entered China via acquisition (of Hefei Sanyo) and operates two factories in China (in Hefei and Shunde). These plants supply the Chinese domestic market and some other Asian markets with washers and refrigerators. However, China represents a small portion of Whirlpool’s global output (around 6%), especially compared to some competitors. By contrast, Whirlpool’s U.S. factories account for roughly 27% of its worldwide production. This limited reliance on China has insulated Whirlpool from some of the tariff costs and supply chain risks that have impacted rivals who manufacture heavily in China.
India: Whirlpool has a strong presence in India, with four factories (in Pune, Faridabad, Pondicherry, and New Delhi). Whirlpool India (82% owned by Whirlpool Corp) produces refrigerators, washers, and air conditioners tailored to the Indian market and holds about a 25% market share in Indian appliances. The Indian plants not only serve local demand but have become some of Whirlpool’s most advanced facilities in Asia, positioning Whirlpool India to be a manufacturing hub for the region.
South America: In Brazil and Argentina, Whirlpool manufactures appliances under local brand names (such as Brastemp and Consul in Brazil). The company operates 3 factories in Brazil and 2 in Argentina, producing refrigerators, washers, and kitchen appliances for Latin American consumers. Whirlpool Brazil has been a market leader for years, and these plants cater to South America’s large appliance market.
Other Countries: Whirlpool also has smaller manufacturing operations elsewhere. For example, it maintains one factory in Turkey and recently one in Slovakia, primarily for the EMEA region. These sites contribute to a geographically diversified supply network.

In summary, Whirlpool’s manufacturing is geographically diversified: the company spreads production across North America, Latin America, Europe, and Asia rather than concentrating in any single country. This strategy helps Whirlpool remain close to its key markets (reducing shipping costs and import tariffs) and mitigates risks from global supply chain disruptions. Notably, even with this global footprint, Whirlpool favors U.S. manufacturing more than most competitors – the only country with nearly as many plants is Italy (five), and no other single nation hosts as large a share of Whirlpool’s production. This reflects Whirlpool’s deep American roots and its continued investment in domestic production capacity.

Where Each Type of Whirlpool Appliance Is Made

To answer where Whirlpool appliances are made more specifically, it’s useful to look at each category of appliance and see where Whirlpool builds them:

Washing Machines & Dryers: Whirlpool is famous for its laundry appliances, and most Whirlpool washers and dryers sold in the U.S. are made in America. The Clyde, Ohio plant produces essentially all residential washing machines for the U.S. market across Whirlpool’s brands. Both top-loading washers (Whirlpool, Maytag, Amana models) and premium front-loading washers (e.g. Maytag front-load units) come out of Clyde. Matching clothes dryers are manufactured in Marion, Ohio – for example, Amana and Whirlpool dryer models originate from Marion. This means if you buy a Whirlpool or Maytag washer/dryer set in the U.S., it’s almost certainly U.S.-made (from Ohio). Internationally, Whirlpool also makes laundry machines in Europe (Indesit factories in Italy/Poland produce front-load washers for that market) and in Latin America (e.g. a washer plant in Brazil). But for North America, Clyde is the powerhouse facility.
Refrigerators & Freezers: Refrigeration is another core segment for Whirlpool. In the United States, nearly all Whirlpool refrigerators are manufactured domestically. The bulk of Whirlpool’s fridge production is in the Midwest: many refrigerator models (top-freezer, side-by-side, etc.) are built in Ohio, and the popular French-door refrigerators come from Amana, Iowa. This Amana facility (originally an Amana brand factory) has been making fridges for decades and supplies Whirlpool’s high-end and large refrigerator models. For freezers, Whirlpool uses the Ottawa, Ohio plant, which produces chest freezers and upright freezers under brands like Maytag and Amana. Thus, a Whirlpool or Maytag fridge/freezer you purchase in the U.S. will typically have been made in the USA (often proudly labeled as such). In other regions, Whirlpool produces refrigerators closer to those markets – for example, Whirlpool’s European factories in Italy and Poland manufacture fridges for Europe, and its Chinese and Indian plants make models suited to Asian consumers. But U.S. consumers benefit from a strong domestic production of refrigerators, which helps with quality control and quicker supply.
Ovens, Ranges & Cooktops: Whirlpool’s kitchen cooking appliances (ranges, wall ovens, cooktops) are also heavily U.S.-made. The primary production center is Cleveland, Tennessee, where Whirlpool, Maytag, and KitchenAid ranges and ovens are built. From basic Whirlpool gas ranges to premium KitchenAid slide-in ovens, the Cleveland factory turns out a wide array of cooking products for the U.S. market. Additionally, some cooking appliances come from the Amana, Iowa plant (formerly for Amana brand ovens) and Tulsa, Oklahoma may also handle certain assembly or distribution. By keeping manufacturing domestic, Whirlpool can ensure these appliances meet U.S. safety standards and consumer preferences. One exception in this category is microwave ovens – Whirlpool’s microwave ovens (including over-the-range microwaves) are often produced overseas. Like most appliance makers, Whirlpool sources many microwaves from Asia, given that Whirlpool has only two factories in China and may rely on partners for certain small appliances. So while your Whirlpool stove is likely U.S.-made, your Whirlpool microwave might carry a “Made in China” label.
Dishwashers: Whirlpool is a major dishwasher manufacturer, and it has concentrated dishwasher production in Findlay, Ohio. This factory produces most Whirlpool, Maytag, and KitchenAid dishwashers that are sold in North America. The emphasis on U.S. production is so strong that almost all Whirlpool dishwashers are made in the USA, with just a couple of niche models made abroad. (Specifically, one JennAir dishwasher model and a specialized ADA-compliant Whirlpool model are imported, likely from a Whirlpool-owned plant in Europe, but the vast majority are domestic.) This means that when you buy a KitchenAid dishwasher, you’re getting an appliance built by American workers in Ohio. The Findlay plant’s output has a reputation for quality, aligning with Whirlpool’s strategy to keep critical appliance manufacturing at home.
Small Appliances: In addition to large appliances, Whirlpool’s family of brands includes some smaller appliances. The standout example is the KitchenAid stand mixer, a beloved countertop appliance. KitchenAid stand mixers have been manufactured in Greenville, Ohio, for decades. The Greenville factory covers the full assembly of these mixers, which is a point of pride for the company and consumers – the classic KitchenAid mixer is famously “Made in America.” Whirlpool also produces some appliance components and accessories domestically (for instance, it has a facility in Ohio that makes gaskets and seals for its appliances). However, not all small items are U.S.-made: other KitchenAid countertop appliances (blenders, toasters, etc.) and accessories like microwave ovens or compact appliances are often imported from Whirlpool’s overseas plants or suppliers. Still, Whirlpool’s small-appliance lineup is anchored by the U.S.-built stand mixer, underscoring that even in smaller product categories the company maintains some American manufacturing presence.

“Made in USA” Claims and FTC Compliance

With so many Whirlpool products built in U.S. factories, the company frequently markets its appliances as “Made in USA.” It’s common to see a “Made in America” label or sticker on Whirlpool, Maytag, or KitchenAid appliances in showrooms. This labeling is more than just a marketing choice – it must comply with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) guidelines for U.S.-origin claims. The FTC requires that any product advertised or labeled as “Made in USA” be “all or virtually all” made in the United States <Reference:ftc.gov>. In other words, unqualified “Made in USA” claims are only allowed if almost every component and process is of U.S. origin. Whirlpool adheres to these rules by reserving the label for products that meet the standard. For example, a Whirlpool washer assembled in Ohio from predominantly U.S.-made parts can carry a “Made in USA” label, whereas a microwave built in Asia cannot. In cases where a product is assembled in the U.S. but contains significant imported components, Whirlpool will use a qualified claim or simply not highlight the origin to ensure FTC compliance.

Whirlpool’s marketing emphasizes its American manufacturing legacy. Retailers like Home Depot often clearly mark Whirlpool appliances that are American-made to inform shoppers. If you’re shopping in-store, looking for the “Made in USA” sticker is an easy way to identify Whirlpool products built domestically. (Many of the appliances coming out of Whirlpool’s Ohio plants will feature this label.) Online, the origin might not be as obvious – Whirlpool’s website and retailers may not always list the manufacturing country. For those who prioritize American-made goods, Whirlpool even suggests contacting customer service to confirm a specific model’s origin if buying online. Overall, Whirlpool’s use of the “Made in USA” label is a point of pride, and the company carefully complies with FTC standards so that this claim genuinely reflects a product that was built by American workers using predominantly American materials.

Supply Chain Decisions: Impact on Pricing, Quality, and Perception

Whirlpool’s choices about where to manufacture its appliances are strategic decisions that affect product cost, quality, and consumer perception. Labor and Production Costs are a primary factor: building appliances in the U.S. generally comes with higher labor costs than offshoring to countries like China or Mexico. Whirlpool accepts these higher costs for many products to maintain quality control and to avoid the expenses of transoceanic shipping and import tariffs. In some cases, producing abroad is still advantageous – for example, smaller and lower-priced items (like basic microwaves or mini-fridges) can be imported to keep those products affordable. By balancing domestic and international production, Whirlpool tries to stay cost-competitive while keeping its flagship products American-made.

Product Quality and Reliability are closely tied to manufacturing location in the eyes of consumers. Whirlpool leverages its U.S. factories to uphold stringent quality standards. A notable Consumer Reports survey found that appliances built in Whirlpool’s Ohio facilities ranked among the best and most reliable in their categories. The company believes that American manufacturing, with its skilled workforce and strict standards, results in durable appliances. Whirlpool’s Clyde washer factory, for instance, has decades of expertise, which can translate into better build quality and consistency. By contrast, there is a perception (sometimes justified, sometimes not) that appliances made in countries with lower manufacturing standards might not last as long. Whirlpool’s largely American production has become part of its quality branding – customers often cite “built better” as a reason to choose Whirlpool or Maytag over a competitor. (In fact, Whirlpool often touts that a well-maintained Whirlpool fridge can last 14–17 years, outlasting some import brands.)

Consumer Perception and Patriotism also play a big role. In an age when many companies have outsourced manufacturing overseas, Whirlpool stands out for keeping a large share of production in the U.S. This resonates with American consumers who prefer domestically made products. Studies and surveys have shown that many U.S. shoppers are willing to pay a bit more for appliances that carry the “Made in USA” label, both to support American jobs and because of confidence in the quality. Whirlpool’s marketing capitalizes on this sentiment – the company frequently mentions its U.S. plants and American workforce in advertisements and even on appliance packaging. This not only boosts its brand image but also allows Whirlpool to command a premium on certain products due to the perceived higher value of American-made goods. On the other hand, Whirlpool must remain price-conscious; not all consumers can pay extra for U.S.-made, so the company does use global factories to produce budget-friendly models. The key is that Whirlpool’s supply chain mix lets it offer a range of price points without completely abandoning its U.S. manufacturing base.

Another aspect is the resilience of Whirlpool’s supply chain. By maintaining an even spread of production globally (with plants in the U.S., Mexico, Europe, Asia, etc.), Whirlpool can adapt if one region faces disruptions. For example, during global events like natural disasters or pandemics, having multiple sourcing locations helps avoid prolonged product shortages. If a supply chain issue arises in Asia, Whirlpool’s substantial U.S. operations can ramp up to compensate (and vice versa). This resilience ultimately benefits consumers with more stable availability and potentially steadier prices. It’s a strategy that some competitors lacked – for instance, companies that heavily relied on one country’s factories faced more difficulty when tariffs or other trade barriers hit. Whirlpool’s decision to keep a strong U.S. manufacturing presence paid off in 2018 when the U.S. government imposed tariffs on imported washing machines; Whirlpool, making all its U.S.-sold washers in Ohio, suddenly had a cost advantage over import-reliant rivals. Such supply chain choices show how Whirlpool’s manufacturing locations directly impact competitive pricing and market dynamics.

In terms of pricing, Whirlpool’s American-made appliances might have slightly higher production costs, but the company offsets this through efficiency and brand positioning. High-volume U.S. plants like Clyde achieve economies of scale, and Whirlpool’s investment in modernizing factories (automation, energy efficiency, etc.) helps control unit costs. Meanwhile, appliances made in lower-cost countries enable Whirlpool to compete in entry-level segments. Consumers thus see a spectrum of Whirlpool products: you might pay a premium for a top-tier, U.S.-built KitchenAid range, while a value-oriented Whirlpool fridge made in Mexico could be priced more affordably. Importantly, Whirlpool doesn’t compromise safety or performance standards regardless of origin – all products must meet the company’s specs – but it openly encourages buyers who prioritize American-made quality to seek out those models.

Conclusion: Whirlpool’s American Core with a Global Reach

So, where are Whirlpool appliances made? The clear answer is that Whirlpool manufactures most of its appliances in the United States, particularly the ones sold in its home market, while also operating manufacturing facilities in Mexico, Europe, Asia, and South America to serve global markets. If you buy a Whirlpool appliance in the U.S., there’s a strong chance it was built in one of Whirlpool’s nine American factories – from washers in Ohio to refrigerators in Iowa. This American manufacturing backbone is a distinguishing feature of Whirlpool, reinforcing its image as a homegrown brand. At the same time, Whirlpool’s international plants in countries like Italy, Poland, China, India, and Brazil play a crucial role in its worldwide business, producing appliances closer to local consumers and keeping the company competitive globally.

Whirlpool’s manufacturing strategy strives to balance the advantages of U.S. production (quality, innovation, brand appeal) with the efficiencies of a global supply chain (cost savings and regional customization). The result is that Whirlpool can claim more “Made in USA” products than almost any other appliance maker, while still being a formidable player in markets around the world. For consumers, this means you can enjoy Whirlpool appliances knowing the company has deep American roots and rigorously manages its production for reliability. Whether it’s a Clyde-made washing machine or a dishwasher from Findlay, the location of manufacture is a key part of Whirlpool’s formula. In the end, Whirlpool appliances are made both in America and abroad, but the company’s heart is clearly in American manufacturing – a fact that continues to shape its identity and the trust it has earned from generations of customers.