Whirlpool Layoffs: Appliance Giant To Cut 341 Jobs at Iowa Refrigerator Plant as Part of Modernisation Drive
Whirlpool Corporation will cut 341 jobs at its Amana, Iowa, refrigerator plant starting March 9. The move, affecting over 25 per cent of the workforce, is part of a modernisation plan to phase out older lines. The site will transition toward warehousing and parts production to ensure long-term sustainability.
Mumbai, February 19: Whirlpool Corporation has announced it will lay off 341 employees at its refrigerator manufacturing facility in Amana, Iowa, effective March 9. The job cuts represent more than a quarter of the plant’s 1,500-strong workforce, according to state filings. The Benton Harbour-based company stated that the reductions are part of a multi-year modernisation strategy aimed at updating production lines and restructuring the facility’s operations for long-term sustainability.
The Amana plant is a significant hub for Whirlpool’s domestic manufacturing, producing refrigerator models under the Whirlpool, KitchenAid, Maytag, and Amana brands. Company officials described the workforce reduction as a difficult but necessary step to phase out older refrigeration lines. Despite the immediate job losses, the company has reiterated that the Iowa site remains a "vital part" of its United States manufacturing footprint. Amazon Layoffs: Viral Video of India Office Party Sparks US Backlash and Claims of Offshoring Amid 16,000 Global Job Cuts.
Production Realignment and Facility Modernisation
As part of the transformation, Whirlpool intends to diversify the roles handled at the Amana site. Beyond traditional refrigerator manufacturing, the facility will expand its functions to include warehousing, parts production, and sub-assembly work. This shift is intended to adapt the plant to new production priorities and competitive pressures currently facing the global appliance sector.
While some production lines are being decommissioned, the company has indicated that additional investments are planned for the site. The goal of this transition is to reposition the facility for long-term viability. However, the company also noted that further job cuts could potentially occur later this year as it continues to review its broader operational efficiency across North America.
Impact on Workers and the Local Economy
The layoffs will primarily affect union-represented employees, who will retain recall rights for a period of two to five years depending on their seniority. Despite these rights, reports suggest that company representatives have indicated a low likelihood of immediate recalls. Local officials have expressed concern regarding the economic ripple effects on the region, as the plant has long been one of the largest employers in the area. Amazon Layoffs: Senior Engineering Leader Hemant Virmani Calls 11-Year Career Exit Blessing in Disguise.
Whirlpool has confirmed it will provide on-site human resources assistance and support services for the departing staff. The company is also working with Iowa Workforce Development to provide information on unemployment benefits and career transition resources. This move follows a broader trend in the US manufacturing industry, where companies are increasingly automating and reorganising domestic plants to remain competitive against global rivals.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 19, 2026 03:30 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).