GE Appliances Announces Historic $3 Billion U.S. Investment, Shifts Production from China and Mexico

Louisville, Kentucky — In a bold move signaling confidence in American manufacturing, GE Appliances unveiled a sweeping $3 billion investment plan to relocate production of refrigerators, gas ranges, and water heaters from China and Mexico to its U.S. facilities across five states. The decision, announced Wednesday, underscores the company’s commitment to "lean manufacturing" and workforce upskilling, while capitalizing on shifting global trade dynamics.

A Strategic Pivot to Domestic Production
CEO Kevin Nolan emphasized that the investment—the second-largest in the company’s 130-year history—will create over 1,000 jobs and modernize plants in Kentucky, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, and South Carolina. "The math now works for U.S. manufacturing," Nolan said, citing automation and tariff pressures as key drivers. The move aligns with GE Appliances’ parent company, China-based Haier, which has prioritized localization since acquiring the brand in 2016.

Breaking Down the Reshoring Plan

• Georgia: Gas range production shifts from Mexico to LaFayette, leveraging the state’s logistics hubs.

• Alabama: Six refrigerator models will move from China to Decatur, revitalizing a facility once at risk of downsizing.

• South Carolina: Camden’s plant will double output by producing electric heat pump water heaters, replacing Chinese imports.

• Tennessee: Selmer’s facility adds two new AC models, tapping into the Southeast’s booming HVAC demand.

• Kentucky: Louisville’s Appliance Park will absorb 15+ front-load washer models from China, backed by a $490 million June investment.

Tariffs and Trade: The Accelerant
The announcement follows years of geopolitical tensions. Vice President Lee Lagomarcino acknowledged that Trump-era tariffs on Chinese imports "accelerated decision-making," though Nolan insisted the strategy was long-term. "This isn’t just about tariffs—it’s about resilience," he said, referencing pandemic-era supply chain disruptions.

Economic Ripple Effects
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear hailed the news as proof of the state’s "world-class workforce." Independent analyses suggest the investment could inject $30 billion annually into the U.S. economy, with indirect job growth in supplier networks. However, critics question whether automation will offset promised employment gains. Bill Good, VP of Supply Chain, countered: "Tools alone won’t rebuild manufacturing—it’s about people."

Challenges Ahead
While GE Appliances boasts 11 U.S. plants, it still relies on global partners for niche components. The company plans collaborations with technical schools to address labor shortages, a hurdle in the competitive Southern labor market.

The Bigger Picture
The reshoring trend isn’t unique to GE. Whirlpool and LG have made similar moves, but GE’s $6.5 billion cumulative investment since 2016 sets a high bar. As Nolan put it: "We’re defining the future of American manufacturing."

————

GE 8521-TC-SA

GE DS200IIBDG1A

GE 8121-DI-DC

————

Xingruijia

Original factory direct supply, quality assurance - GE module professional supplier

Consult now to obtain the latest technical information and quotation for GE modules!

·Manager: Jinny                                         ·E-mail: sales1@xrjdcs.com     

·Tel: + 86-15359273791（WhatsApp）   ·Wechat: + 86-15359273791