GE Appliances expands US manufacturing $490M Kentucky plant

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GE Appliances has announced a $490 million investment at its global headquarters in Louisville, Kentucky. The expansion will create 800 full-time jobs and strengthen Kentucky’s status as a center for advanced appliance production. At a time when manufacturers are rethinking global supply chains, this move signals a clear push to bring laundry appliance production closer to home.

GE Appliances’ Louisville expansion

With this project, GE Appliances will build its most advanced manufacturing facility for clothes washers. Production of the GE Profile UltraFast Combo Washer/Dryer and the UltraFresh Front Load Washer will shift to Louisville’s Appliance Park. The new lines will bring more than 15 washer models under one roof, expanding the facility’s total area to the equivalent of 33 football fields when combined with existing operations. This project strengthens the company’s position as the largest American washer manufacturer and builds on its decade-long, multibillion-dollar commitment to US production.

The investment supports the company’s “zero-distance” strategy: making appliances close to end users for quicker delivery, stronger product support and better integration between designers, engineers and production teams.

Kentucky’s role as a hub for advanced manufacturing

Kentucky leaders continue to promote the region as a base for modern manufacturing. The Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority has backed the new plant with performance-based incentives and workforce training. According to its 2024 economic report, GE Appliances adds more than $12 billion to Kentucky’s gross domestic product, directly employs 8,000 people and supports another 30,000 jobs through its network of local suppliers. State officials expect this new project to secure Louisville’s manufacturing leadership for years to come.

Technology, automation and the factory of the future

The new facility will showcase advanced automation, robotics and smart production systems. Building 2 at Appliance Park will use automated guided vehicles and autonomous mobile robots for streamlined material handling. The vertically integrated site will produce critical parts in-house, including stainless steel baskets and stamped metal components. This combination of high-tech automation and skilled local workers aims to deliver consistent quality and shorten time to market.

Across the industry, more manufacturers are adopting smart factory technologies. A recent Deloitte report found that more than half of large US manufacturers plan to increase investments in automation to stay competitive and navigate global supply chain pressures.

Jobs and community impact

Beyond the 800 new jobs, the economic impact reaches further. GE Appliances estimates its operations contribute more than $30 billion to the US economy and support nearly 100,000 jobs nationwide through suppliers and partners. In Kentucky, the company works with nearly 500 suppliers, spending more than $300 million each year. These relationships strengthen local communities and keep production knowledge close to where products are used.

Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg called the investment “a huge deal” for the city’s future and a boost for the next generation of Kentucky manufacturing workers.

While GE Appliances’ investment stands out, it reflects a broader shift as manufacturers reconsider offshore strategies. Global supply chain disruptions, higher shipping costs and new policy incentives have many companies looking to bring production closer to home. For the appliance industry, where consumer demand can shift quickly, local production helps companies respond faster and compete more effectively.

Sources:

• GE Appliances Official Site