Hey, I just came across something you’ll probably find encouraging—Whirlpool, one of the biggest names in American manufacturing, is doubling down on U.S. investment. That’s right. Whirlpool’s CEO, Marc Bitzer, recently announced they’re going big on bringing more operations, production, and investment back home to the United States.
What’s driving this bold move? Bitzer says it’s all about a better business case. “The economics now just make more sense,” he said in an interview on Mornings with Maria. With new tariffs in place and a stronger belief in the current administration’s direction, Whirlpool feels it’s the right time to reinvest in America.
Why make products in the U.S. now?
According to Bitzer, the decision wasn’t just about patriotism, though that’s a bonus. It came down to dollars and cents. He explained they had a choice: make new products in Ohio or ship production overseas. In the end, they chose Ohio.
Whirlpool is updating 30% of its product inventory, and these new models will be built right here at home. The company isn’t just talking about manufacturing either — they’re putting money into automation, updating factories, and tightening up supply chains. It’s all part of something Bitzer calls “vertical integration,” where the entire process stays within the U.S., from materials to final products.
Good news for American jobs and factories
Here’s something else that stood out: even though Whirlpool had a bit of a rocky first quarter in 2025, running at only 60% capacity, Bitzer remains optimistic. He believes things will pick up later in the year, especially in Q3 and Q4, as demand increases and factory output ramps up. And when factories are running at 70–80% capacity, the bottom line improves — meaning better jobs, more stable prices, and stronger communities.
If they can hit those higher capacity levels, they won’t have to rely on raising prices just to stay profitable. That’s a win-win for both workers and consumers.
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Steel, tariffs, and confidence
One major piece of this puzzle is steel. Whirlpool uses a lot of it — and 96% of their steel is sourced in the U.S. That makes strong domestic steel production essential to the company’s long-term success. Bitzer also voiced support for steel tariffs, saying they help close unfair loopholes and keep U.S. industry competitive.
He’s betting on a stronger American supply chain, and he’s not alone. This renewed focus on American-made products comes at a time when more and more businesses are reconsidering where — and how — they build things.
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What it means for you
If you’re someone who values “Made in the USA,” this is the kind of shift that could impact your life — even if you’re not buying a Whirlpool product. More investment here means more job opportunities, stronger factories, and a ripple effect through the economy.
So yeah, this move by Whirlpool isn’t just big business news — it’s a signal that investing in America is making a comeback. And honestly, that’s something worth paying attention to.
