The team at Benton Harbor-based Whirlpool is arriving at work today to stellar news regarding a major deal struck with the largest homebuilder in America to be the exclusive provider of major home appliances in every home they build for the next five years.
Whirlpool has joined forces with D.R. Horton to provide large appliances to homeowners all across America when built by the company known as “America’s Builder.” It’s a five-year exclusive agreement which will ensure high quality Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid and Amana brand appliances will be in all newly built D.R. Horton homes beginning January 1st, 2020.
D.R. Horton has built quality homes in desirable locations throughout the United States for more than 40 years now, and is known for high-quality homes that are constructed and sold through the D.R. Horton, Express Homes, Freedom Homes and Emerald Homes brands.
Whirlpool’s Vice President of U.S. Sales, Dave Cichocki says, “From first-time home buyers to empty-nesters, D.R. Horton and its family of brands ensure every home built is tailored to meet its customers’ individual needs. That’s why Whirlpool Corporation is a perfect fit — our deep portfolio of home appliances meets the needs of every homeowner and home type.” Cichocki adds, “From the value-driven simplicity of Amana brand to the exceptional performance and finely-crafted design of the KitchenAid brand, we’re able to offer D.R. Horton a differentiated portfolio of kitchen and laundry appliances designed to suit nearly all homeowner needs.”
Brad Conlon is Horton’s Director of National Accounts. He says, “D.R. Horton and Whirlpool have a solid history together, and we are pleased to be working with them again,” and adds, “Whirlpool’s product diversity and emphasis on best-in-class customer service make them the ideal exclusive appliance provider for our family of brands.”
Whirlpool Corporation officials say they are proud of their position as an American company for over 100 years. In the U.S., there are approximately 25,000 workers at Whirlpool Corporation, including approximately 18,000 at manufacturing plants and approximately 4,000 here in Southwest Michigan, where Whirlpool Corporation hosts global headquarters.
Kelly Safis, General Manager of Builder Sales at Whirlpool says, “In today’s world, manufacturing remains an integral part of the American economy, and Whirlpool Corporation is an industry leader,” adding, “We are pleased to team with D.R. Horton, another long-standing American company committed to creating high-quality homes outfitted with outstanding products. Together with D.R. Horton, we are focused on meeting changing consumer behaviors throughout the U.S., in constant pursuit of improving life at home.”
Customer insights from more than 108 years of industry expertise and a constant drive for innovation have helped Whirlpool Corporation build a distinctive portfolio of products.
Whirlpool Corporation is the world’s leading major home appliance company, with approximately $21 billion in annual sales, 92,000 employees and 65 manufacturing and technology research centers in 2018.
D.R. Horton, Inc., “America’s Builder,” has been the largest homebuilder by volume in the United States since 2002. Founded in 1978 in Fort Worth, Texas, D.R. Horton has operations in 84 markets in 29 states across the United States and closed on 52,569 homes in the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2018. D.R. Horton also provides mortgage financing, title services and insurance agency services for homebuyers through its mortgage, title and insurance subsidiaries.
