A big investment is coming.
The CEO of one of the nation’s leading manufacturing and appliance firms shared plans to significantly boost investments in the U.S. economy and its supply chain, highlighting the potential importance of these moves.
“We decided to go big this year,” Whirlpool’s Marc Bitzer told “Mornings with Maria” on Thursday. He expressed confidence in the current administration’s tariff policies, stating, “With tariffs now in place, our trust and confidence remain strong, and we plan to increase our investments in the U.S.”
Bitzer emphasized that Whirlpool is preparing to make substantial new investments and strengthen support for its American factories. “Economically, producing goods domestically has become much more appealing, so we’re committed to expanding our U.S. operations,” he explained.
Whirlpool, headquartered in Benton Harbor, Michigan, revealed earlier this year plans to refresh about 30% of its product lineup, along with changes in sourcing and manufacturing. Bitzer noted that when choosing where to manufacture, the company now favors U.S. locations over overseas options. “Whether it’s new product lines or capital investments, we’re focusing on American production and upgrading factory automation,” he said. “Vertical integration is a major focus, which ultimately benefits U.S. factories, products, and consumers.”
Although Whirlpool slightly missed its earnings targets for Q1 2025, Bitzer remains optimistic. He revealed that factory production currently operates at about 60% capacity and said reaching 70-80% capacity utilization would significantly improve profitability without solely relying on price increases. “In a fixed-cost business like ours, maximizing factory utilization is key,” he stated, projecting increased factory output in the latter half of the year.
Bitzer also pointed out that Whirlpool uses 96% U.S.-sourced steel, emphasizing the importance of domestic steel production for the company’s future. “As a steel-intensive manufacturer, strong U.S. steel production is essential, and I fully support its critical role for the country’s future,” he concluded.
