Whirlpool Corp. will cut nearly 350 jobs at its refrigerator manufacturing plant in Amana, Iowa, as part of what the Benton Harbor-based company calls a multi-year modernization effort.
According to filings with the State of Iowa, 341 employees are scheduled to be laid off effective March 9, representing more than a quarter of the facility’s approximately 1,500 workers. The company has also indicated additional reductions could follow later this year as it continues evaluating operations.
For readers in Southwest Michigan, the move is another reminder of the ongoing adjustments within Whirlpool’s U.S. manufacturing network. The Amana facility has long produced refrigerators under the Whirlpool, KitchenAid, Maytag and Amana brands and remains one of the company’s larger refrigerator plants.
Shift in Production Strategy
In statements to Iowa media, Whirlpool described the cuts as part of a broader strategy to modernize and diversify the Amana operation. The plant will continue building several refrigerator models, but older refrigeration lines are being phased out.
Going forward, the company says the facility will expand into warehousing, parts production and sub-assembly work — changes it believes will better position the plant for long-term stability.
Whirlpool has characterized the Amana site as a “vital part” of its U.S. manufacturing footprint and says it plans additional investment over the coming years as part of the transformation.
Impact on Workers and Community
The layoffs will affect union employees, who maintain recall rights ranging from two to five years depending on seniority. However, a company spokesperson told Iowa reporters the likelihood of recall is low.
Local coverage in Iowa has highlighted concern among workers and community leaders about the impact on families and surrounding towns that rely on the plant as a major employer. Whirlpool says it will provide on-site human resources support, access to an employee assistance program and guidance on unemployment benefits through Iowa Workforce Development.
No Local Statement Issued
As of today, no separate statement has been issued locally from Whirlpool’s corporate headquarters in Benton Harbor regarding the Iowa layoffs.
While the cuts are outside Michigan, they reflect the competitive pressures and evolving production strategies facing U.S. appliance manufacturers — as underlined in recent comments from Whirlpool leadership to industry analysts.
MOTM will continue to monitor any additional developments.
