GE Appliances has announced a major shift in its manufacturing strategy, committing more than $3 billion to expand and modernize its U.S. operations. As part of the five-year plan, the company will relocate production of several key appliances from China and Mexico to facilities in Kentucky, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, and South Carolina — a move expected to create over 1,000 new jobs.
This investment is the second-largest in the Louisville-based company’s history and reflects a growing focus on reshoring and domestic production.
“Our long-term strategy is about manufacturing close to our customers,” said CEO Kevin Nolan. “With lean manufacturing, upskilling our workforce and automation, the math works for manufacturing in the United States.”
While most of GE Appliances’ current production already takes place domestically, this expansion will bring even more appliance models back to U.S. soil. The company plans to shift production of gas ranges from Mexico to its facility in LaFayette, Georgia. Six refrigerator models currently manufactured in China will be relocated to its Decatur, Alabama plant.
Earlier this year, GE Appliances announced that it would move production of clothes washers from China to its massive Louisville campus, Appliance Park. That facility will also take on production of more than 15 front-load washer models, along with a new combo washer/dryer unit, as part of a previously announced $490 million upgrade.
The Camden, South Carolina plant, which currently produces gas water heaters, will double its capacity and workforce by adding electric and hybrid heat pump water heaters — models currently made in China. Meanwhile, the company’s facility in Selmer, Tennessee will begin manufacturing two new air conditioner models.
In total, GE Appliances says the reshoring and expansion plan is designed to enhance U.S. production capabilities while creating jobs and strengthening its domestic supply chain. Once the latest plan is fully implemented, the company will have invested $6.5 billion in its 11 U.S. manufacturing plants and distribution network since 2016.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear praised the company’s decision, saying it reinforces the state’s reputation as a hub for advanced manufacturing and economic development. “GE Appliances has established Kentucky as America’s destination for advanced manufacturing and job creation,” he said.
While GE Appliances conducts product design and engineering at its Louisville headquarters, not all of its products are made in the U.S. The company still partners with global manufacturers, including in China, to supplement production where necessary. However, executives say the long-term goal is to center more of its output in the U.S.
To support this domestic focus, the company is also investing in workforce development by partnering with universities, high schools, and technical schools to train the next generation of skilled labor.
“Infrastructure and tools matter, but they are not enough,” said Bill Good, vice president of supply chain. “America’s manufacturing renaissance will be built by people.”
GE Appliances, which is owned by China-based Haier, estimates that it contributes over $30 billion to the U.S. economy each year and supports more than 113,000 jobs through its operations, suppliers, and logistics network.
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