Whirlpool (NYSE:WHR) is a leading global manufacturer and marketer of home appliances, with a product portfolio that spans major categories such as laundry, refrigeration, cooking, dishwashing and small electrics. Headquartered in Benton Harbor, Michigan, the company designs, produces and distributes its appliances through a network of wholly owned manufacturing facilities, joint ventures and third-party partners. Whirlpool serves both retail and professional markets, offering products under its flagship Whirlpool brand as well as several well-known names including Maytag, KitchenAid, JennAir, Amana, Brastemp and Consul.
In its laundry segment, Whirlpool provides top- and front-load washing machines, dryers and combination units designed to balance energy efficiency, capacity and convenience. The company’s refrigeration portfolio includes French-door, side-by-side and bottom-mounted models, many of which feature smart-home integration and custom finishes. Whirlpool’s cooking lineup extends from ranges and wall ovens to cooktops and microwaves, while its dishwashers are engineered for reduced water usage and enhanced noise control. Small appliances such as blenders and countertop ovens round out its consumer offerings in select markets.
Founded in 1911 as the Upton Machine Company, the business adopted the Whirlpool name in 1950 to better reflect its core focus on laundry equipment. Over subsequent decades, the company expanded through strategic product innovation and acquisitions, notably integrating KitchenAid in the mid-1980s, acquiring Maytag in 2006 and adding the European appliance maker Indesit in 2014. These moves helped broaden Whirlpool’s brand footprint and manufacturing capabilities across multiple regions.
Whirlpool maintains operations and sales in North America, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East and Africa, as well as the Asia-Pacific region, serving customers in more than 170 countries. The company’s global research and development facilities work to advance technologies in energy efficiency, connectivity and user experience. Whirlpool is led by Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Marc Bitzer, who has overseen the company’s strategic growth initiatives and emphasis on sustainability and smart-home solutions since 2017.
