The number of layoffs at the Whirlpool factory in Amana has been dramatically reduced, according to a Whirlpool spokesperson.
In early April, Whirlpool announced plans to lay off 650 workers at its Middle Amana location, effective June 1. That layoff was set to impact about a third of the 2,000 employees at the plant, located at 2800 220th Trail in Middle Amana.
However, Whirlpool has reduced the layoff total to 250 workers, and those layoffs now won’t be effective until July 28, the spokesperson said.
“We informed employees at Whirlpool Corporation’s Amana, Iowa, operations that only a portion of the previously announced layoffs at the plant will be implemented effective July 28,” the company said in a statement. “While difficult, this decision is essential to meet evolving consumer demand, and is critical to best utilizing the Amana plant and optimize our U.S. operations. As the only remaining U.S.-based manufacturer of major kitchen and laundry appliances, Whirlpool Corporation is proud that approximately 80 percent of the products we sell in America are made in America.”
Company officials also stressed that the layoffs are “not tariff-related.”
The company is “committed to supporting affected employees with transition support programs and guidance on unemployment benefits through Iowa Workforce Development,” the company spokesperson said.
The Amana plant was part of the Amana Manufacturing company, founded in 1934. The company was sold to a group of investors in 1950 and renamed Amana Refrigeration. It was subsequently sold to Raytheon in 1965, to Goodman Global in 1997, to Maytag in 2002, and finally to Whirlpool Corporation in 2006.
The Whirlpool plant in Amana manufactures refrigerators, including French door and column refrigerators, under the Amana, JennAir, KitchenAid, Maytag and Whirlpool brands.
