Whirlpool Corporation is an American multinational home appliance manufacturer founded in 1911 by Louis Upton and Emory Upton in St. Joseph, Michigan, where it remains headquartered today. The company initially produced electric motor-driven wringer washers and has grown into the world's leading major home appliance company by revenue. Whirlpool is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange and employs approximately 60,000 people worldwide.
Whirlpool's product portfolio encompasses laundry appliances (washers, dryers), refrigerators, freezers, dishwashers, cooking appliances (ranges, ovens, cooktops, microwaves), and small countertop appliances. The company operates a family of brands including Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid, Amana, JennAir, and international brands such as Indesit, Hotpoint, and Bauknecht. This multi-brand strategy allows Whirlpool to serve consumers across virtually every price point and market segment.
Whirlpool has been a pioneer in appliance technology, introducing innovations such as the automatic washer, the first top-loading automatic dryer, and modern smart home appliance connectivity. The company's products are sold in nearly every country around the world through a combination of retail partnerships and direct-to-consumer channels. Whirlpool has made significant sustainability commitments, including targets to achieve net-zero emissions in its plants and operations and to make every product it designs more sustainable than the one it replaces. The company generates approximately $19 billion in annual revenue, making it the dominant player in the global home appliance industry.