Whirlpool Cuts Over 350 Jobs at Amana Plant, Expands Four Mexico Factories
Whirlpool has laid off roughly 350 employees at its Amana, Iowa refrigerator plant, cutting the workforce by more than half as it expands four new Mexican factories. The company says U.S. tariffs and operational adjustments aim to keep its ten domestic plants competitive despite shifting production south.
1. Whirlpool Cuts 350 Jobs at Amana Plant
The Amana, Iowa factory produces refrigerators under the Whirlpool, Amana, KitchenAid and Maytag brands and recently reduced its headcount by roughly 350 workers, representing over half its prior staffing level.
2. Production Shift to Mexico
In recent years Whirlpool has opened four refrigerator factories in Mexico, shifting manufacturing capacity south and rescinding full-time job offers to local graduates at the Amana plant.
3. Tariff Strategy and Competitive Impact
Whirlpool supports U.S. import tariffs, noting that duties help its ten domestic plants compete against Asian rivals like LG and Samsung by leveling trade conditions.
4. Community and Labor Response
Multi-generational employment at the Amana factory has fostered strong community ties, and unions warn that tariffs and production shifts risk further layoffs and local economic decline.