GE Appliances has announced a $490 million investment to expand its massive manufacturing complex in Louisville, Kentucky, moving production of clothes washers from China to the U.S. This project is expected to create 800 new jobs and establish GE as the nation’s largest washing machine manufacturer.
CEO Kevin Nolan emphasized the company’s “zero‑distance” strategy, which focuses on producing appliances near customers. “This decision is our most recent product reshoring and aligns with the current economic and policy environment,” Nolan said.
The initiative aligns with President Trump’s push for American manufacturing through tariffs, including a 10% levy on most imports and 30% on Chinese goods. GE highlighted that nearly all the steel used in its U.S. plants comes from domestic suppliers.
The plan includes relocating production of both combo washer-dryers and over 15 models of front-load washers to GE’s Appliance Park. Once in full operation, the clothes-care section at this facility will span an area equivalent to 33 football fields.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear praised the investment, stating it strengthens Louisville’s position as GE Appliances’ global headquarters and supports U.S. manufacturing.
The upgraded facility, set to open in 2027, will feature advanced automation technologies—such as robotic systems, automated guided vehicles, and autonomous mobile robots—to become GE’s most sophisticated washer plant.
GE Appliances will continue producing top-load washers and front-load dryers at the adjacent Building 1. Although design and engineering are already based in Louisville, GE has relied on contract manufacturing—including overseas—to meet demand. This investment underscores the company’s long-term shift toward U.S.-based production.
Vice President of Clothes Care Lee Lagomarcino noted that “manufacturing in Louisville puts production closer to our designers, engineers, and consumers,” enhancing innovation and responsiveness.
This funding builds on GE Appliances’ broader U.S. investment strategy, which has channeled $3.5 billion into domestic manufacturing over the past decade—over one-third of which has supported Appliance Park.
Currently, the complex employs around 8,000 people across five plants producing washers, dryers, dishwashers, refrigerators, and parts. GE Appliances also operates additional facilities in South Carolina, Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, and Connecticut.
The company operates as a subsidiary of China-based Haier.
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