FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 16, 2006

Columbus, OH -- Ohio Lt. Governor Bruce Johnson, who also serves as the state’s development director, today applauded the decision by the Whirlpool Corporation to expand its Ohio laundry-manufacturing facilities located in Clyde (Sandusky County) and Marion (Marion County). The company plans to invest over $53 million in new machinery and equipment, and is expected to create over 1,100 jobs, split evenly between the Clyde and Marion operations. Currently, these manufacturing operations employ a total of approximately 6,100 workers.

"Whirlpool's decision to expand its Clyde and Marion operations is great news for the state of Ohio," said Johnson. "When visiting their Benton Harbor, Michigan headquarters to make the case for choosing Ohio, I was able to demonstrate that our tax reform package would help make their operations more cost effective. I believe Ohio came our on top for three major reasons: our new tax system, our competitive incentive package and perhaps most of all, the employees in Marion and Clyde that are among the most efficient in the world."

Following a post-merger review of Maytag operations, Whirlpool recently announced that it would consolidate laundry washer and dryer production from Maytag manufacturing sites in Newton, Iowa; Herrin, Illinois; and Searcy, Arkansas with Whirlpool laundry factories in Clyde and Marion. The company says the moves will build upon the efficiency of its manufacturing capabilities and enhance its ability to compete within the highly competitive global home appliance industry.

Whirlpool North America President David L. Swift stated that, "We are pleased to expand our manufacturing presence in Ohio. The improved business climate, including last year's tax reform, have made Ohio a more attractive place to do business."

The state, through the Ohio Department of Development, developed an incentive package of loans, grants and tax assistance that will assist the company in their expansion efforts.