Content about Whirlpool Corporation

BENTON HARBOR, Mich. — Whirlpool Corp.’s fourth-quarter net earnings rose 111% to $95 million, or $1.24 per diluted share, compared to $44 million, or $0.60 per diluted share, during the same period in 2008, according to the company’s quarterly report.

BENTON HARBOR, Mich. — Whirlpool Corp.’s sales dropped 8% for the third quarter of 2009 compared to the same period in 2008, according to a recent earnings report, but it raised its profit outlook for the year, saying that its cost-cutting measures will pay off in the final quarter.

BENTON HARBOR, Mich. — Whirlpool Corp. reported a second-quarter profit drop of 33%, but that was still better than analyst expectations. The company also boosted the low end of its full-year profit guidance above analysts’ estimates.

Whirlpool contributed the relatively higher-than-expected profit to lowered working capital, improved pricing and product mix, and additional cost controls.

BENTON HARBOR, Mich. — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Energy (DOE) have given Whirlpool Corp. the 2009 ENERGY STAR Sustained Excellence award. The award recognizes the company’s leadership in offering energy- and water-efficient appliances, Whirlpool says. This is the company’s 10th ENERGY STAR award and fourth consecutive Sustained Excellence win.

BENTON HARBOR, Mich. — Recent lab tests determined that Maytag Commercial Laundry High Efficiency (HE) front-load washers cut utility costs up to 60% and clean better than the competition, the company says.

The tests, performed in an approved testing facility to the American Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) HLW1-2006 laundry industry standard, concluded that the washer achieves superior cleaning performance while providing energy savings.

BENTON HARBOR, Mich. — In 1958, Maytag organized a network of commercial laundry sales distributors to provide dependable equipment to both laundries and apartment buildings. This group came together the same year in Newton, Iowa, for the first Maytag commercial national sales meeting.

BENTON HARBOR, Mich. — Maytag Corp. is launching a nationwide search for a new Maytag Repairman as part of a brand revitalization under its new owner, Whirlpool Corp.

Created in 1967, “Ol’ Lonely” is the longest-running live-action advertising icon on American television. Only three actors have portrayed the Maytag Repairman since its creation: Jesse White, from 1967 to 1988; Gordon Jump, from 1988 to 2003; and Hardy Rawls, whose contract ends next month.

BENTON HARBOR, Mich. — Whirlpool Corp. has announced that it will close three plants and several administrative offices and cut 4,500 jobs as it integrates recently acquired Maytag.

The Maytag plants scheduled for closure include Herrin, Ill., a washer and dryer plant; Searcy, Ark., a dryer facility; and Newton, Iowa, a washer- and dryer-making plant.

Production at these plants will be consolidated into Whirlpool facilities in Marion and Clyde, Ohio.

BENTON HARBOR, Mich./NEWTON, Iowa — Whirlpool Corp. and Maytag Corp. have received clearance from the U.S. Department of Justice to complete their proposed merger. Whirlpool plans to close the transaction as soon as practical, but no later than Monday.

The acquisition was approved without any required divestitures despite concerns that creating the world's largest appliance maker would stifle competition. "Competitive dynamics" will deny the combined company the power to raise prices, says Thomas O. Barnett, the government's antitrust chief.