Content about Whirlpool Corporation

ST. JOSEPH, Mich. — Seven new Maytag® Equipped Laundry stores have opened since the brand launched in May and Maytag® Commercial Laundry says more are on the way this month.

The company introduced the concept store after recognizing the market need for “a well-designed, aesthetically pleasing and branded store.”

“The Maytag brand is the No. 1 preferred and most recognized brand in laundry,” says Randy Karn, national sales manager. “We saw a void in the market and are now delivering a concise, well-developed concept store built on the 100-plus year equity of the Maytag brand.”

Maytag® Equipped Laundries are open for business in:

• Salisbury, Pa.
• Lackawanna and Addison, N.Y.
• Haledon, N.J.
• Mississauga, Ont., Canada
• Calera, Ala.
• Laurinburg, N.C.

Another eight stores are scheduled to be finished by the end of February, Maytag says.

Scott Rider, owner of the Lackawanna store, calls the Maytag® Equipped Laundry store program “the complete package.”

“The support from my local distributor was exceptional, and I’m already planning to open additional stores. My doors have been open since September and I’m seeing enough of a revenue increase that I’m expanding my store’s services.”

“The main thing that sold me on this program was equity behind the Maytag brand name,” says David Whitehurst, who owns the new store in Calera, Ala. “All customer feedback has been incredibly positive.”

Maytag has delivered on its promise to provide a program designed to bring aesthetically pleasing and well-designed coin stores to the market, he adds.

Built on five decades of commercial laundry experience and the 100-plus year equity of the Maytag brand, the new store model encompasses more than just equipment, Maytag says. The complete package includes:

• A consistent look and feel designed with input from architects and industry experts that allow for flexibility
• Exterior and interior signage
• Complementary paint and flooring options in hues of blues, greens and neutrals
• Coordinating bulkhead and folding-table options

Maytag® Equipped Laundry owners/operators qualify for a special Maytag Advantage™ Program, which offers exclusive perks; grand opening or reopening kits with materials and timelines to help plan effectively; discounts on exterior signage; special financing options; and a free membership to the Coin Laundry Association.

BENTON HARBOR, Mich. — Whirlpool Corp. has been named one of Corporate Responsibility Magazine’s100 Best Corporate Citizens for the 10th consecutive year. Whirlpool ranked No. 69 on the magazine’s 13th annual list, which is regarded as the top corporate responsibility ranking based on publicly available information.

Last year, Whirlpool ranked No. 85. Its move of 16 spots can be attributed to high scores in the Corporate Governance, Employee Relations and Philanthropy categories.

“We are honored to be named one of the best corporate citizens for a decade straight,” says Jeff M. Fettig, chairman and CEO of Whirlpool Corporation. “Whirlpool Corp. strives to conduct business with integrity while continually keeping a diverse workplace as a guiding principle. It is a priority for us to improve communities—with sustainable and innovative products and operations, as well as giving back to the communities where we live and work.”

Launched in 2000, the 100 Best Corporate Citizens List is based on more than 318 data points of publicly available information in seven categories: environment, climate change, human rights, employee relations, corporate governance, philanthropy and financial performance.

Whirlpool has also recently been named to the Forbesand Reputation Institute’s Most Reputable Companies in the U.S. and Fortune’sWorld’s Most Admired Companies lists.

ST. JOSEPH, Mich. — Harco Co. Ltd., Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, recently received the prestigious Fred Maytag Award during the Maytag® Commercial Laundry 54th Annual Meeting in Marco Island, Fla.

The Fred Maytag Award, with a history of more than five decades, is the longest-running award in the commercial laundry industry, the company says.

“Enthusiasm for the industry, loyalty, and unmatched performance are synonymous with the Harco name,” says Bob English, general manager of global commercial laundry at Whirlpool Corp. “This award testifies to Harco’s strong performance in all three markets, including a 46% increase in overall business from 2010, and an all-time record year in the multi-housing segment.”

When Fred Maytag established this award, his primary objective was to recognize a Maytag Commercial Laundry distributor for outstanding achievements and remarkable performance. Recipients emulate his marketing philosophy to distribute the company’s products with professionalism and integrity.

“We are honored to receive Maytag Commercial Laundry’s Fred Maytag Award,” says Robert Jackson, president at Harco. “We believe in the brand and the time-tested reliability of the company and its products. We’re fortunate to be associated with a strong and innovative industry player that supports our business in so many ways.”

Founded in 1961, and with present ownership in place since 1981, Harco was appointed as a Maytag Commercial Laundry distributor in 1984. Harco is a three-time Fred Maytag and Red Carpet Service® Excellence Award winner. In addition, Harco won the inaugural Breaking Away Award last year.

Jackson and fellow owner Robert Stevens were on hand to receive the award. Also present at the awards dinner was Fritz Maytag, grandson of founder Fred Maytag.

BENTON HARBOR, Mich. — Maytag® and Whirlpool® Commercial Laundry recently appointed Robert English as general manager of Global Commercial Laundry at Whirlpool Corp.

English’s responsibilities include managing the ongoing business strategy and overseeing marketing and sales, product development, quality, parts and service components of the commercial laundry business unit.

“Whirlpool Corp. recognizes the commercial laundry business is very different from the residential side and is dedicating special resources to ensure its continued success,” says Wes Pringle, vice president strategic business units at Whirlpool. “Bob’s recent appointment is part of a strategic process to support our customers and position the company to become the leader in the commercial laundry industry.”

Previously director of Commercial Laundry in 2000, English’s most recent role included managing Whirlpool’s laundry and refrigeration sales and marketing efforts with Lowe’s.

BENTON HARBOR, Mich. — Whirlpool Corp. recently announced fourth-quarter net earnings of $171 million, or $2.19 per diluted share, compared to $95 million, or $1.24 per diluted share reported during the same period last year.