GE Appliances, a subsidiary of China’s Haier, announced a $490 million project to relocate the production of front-loading washing machines and combo washer-dryers from China to its Appliance Park headquarters in Louisville, Kentucky. The move is projected to create approximately 800 full-time jobs, with production slated to begin in early 2027.
The plant modernization involves adding advanced automation and robotics to produce over 15 washer models, expanding the factory’s footprint equivalent to 33 football fields. GE Appliances has invested over $3.5 billion in U.S. manufacturing over the past decade and aims to strengthen its domestic supply chain, citing the benefits of closer proximity to American consumers under its “zero‑distance” strategy.
CEO Kevin Nolan attributed the accelerated timeline to recent trade policies, including tariffs on Chinese goods initiated during President Trump’s administration. The initiative is part of broader reshoring efforts from other manufacturers like LG and Samsung, which also moved appliance production closer to U.S. markets.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, despite earlier criticism of tariffs, praised the investment as a significant economic boost for the state. Appliance Park, employing around 8,000 workers, will host the expanded laundry production and generate substantial local tax revenue.
