14 August 2025, Global
GE Appliances, the U.S. subsidiary of Chinese conglomerate Haier, has announced an ambitious five-year plan to invest over $3 billion in expanding its manufacturing footprint across the United States. The action follows from a wider push to bring production back on shore, driven by shifting trade policy environments, changing supply chain approaches, and the company’s long-term commitment to US manufacturing.
The investment aims at the expansion and modernization of 11 manufacturing plants in Kentucky, Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, and South Carolina. It would enable the production of new models of water heaters, air conditioners, gas stoves, and refrigerators, as well as the incorporation of ever more automated production technologies.
Strategic Investment Snapshot
| Focus Area | Details |
| Investment Scope | Over $3B in U.S. manufacturing over five years—second-largest in company history |
| Job Creation | Approx. 1,000 new jobs |
| Retooled Facilities | Louisville (washers), Kentucky, Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, South Carolina |
| Reshoring Products | Water heaters, air conditioners, refrigerators, gas ranges, laundry units |
| Driving Forces | Tariffs, supply chain economics, “zero distance” strategy |
| Workforce Engagement | Education partnerships, flexible schedules, apprenticeships, onsite clinics |
| Strategic Alignment | Continues long-term U.S. investment trajectory since 2016 |
Economic Impact
The initiative is expected to create 1,000 new jobs, making GE Appliances even bigger as a leading employer in the home appliance sector in America. The expansion brings the total U.S. investment by the company to approximately $6.5 billion.
This is not a standalone effort GE Appliances has made a total investment of $6.5 billion in U.S. manufacturing and distribution since 2016. This new $3 billion undertaking is the second-largest in company history second only to the initial Appliance Park development and underscores its long-established domestic footprint and future vision.
GE Appliances’ $30 Billion Annual Economic Footprint
According to the company’s 2024 Economic Impact Report, GE Appliances contributes to $30 billion annually to the U.S. Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Its operations sustain over 113,000 jobs across the country directly and indirectly through manufacturing plants, supplier bases, and distribution networks. The just-announced $3 billion, five-year investment will further extend this impact by:
- Creating new jobs and protecting existing ones
- Developing employee capabilities through sophisticated training and technology incorporation
- Increasing innovation capability
- Building regional economic ecosystems
- Increasing the domestic supply base of the company
Five-Year Investment Rollout
- Camden, South Carolina
Currently, manufacturing gas water heaters, the Camden factory will add demand-response electric water heaters and the GeoSpring hybrid heat pump water heater to its product portfolio. This expansion would double plant capacity and jobs upon opening. The initial phase is expected to take effect by early 2026.
- Selmer, Tennessee (Monogram Refrigeration LLC)
Beginning December 2025, the Selmer facility will launch two new 2-ton Vertical Zoneline Air Conditioner models, expanding GE Appliances’ air and water product line.
- LaFayette, Georgia (Roper Corporation)
After two years of capital expenditures, the LaFayette factory previously dedicated only to electric ranges is now producing gas, electric, and induction ranges, wall ovens, and cooktops. Domestic production of gas ranges formerly produced in Mexico will be increased over the next few years.
- Decatur, Alabama
Decatur top-freezer refrigerator factory will produce six 22 cu. ft. units in-house to satisfy customers’ needs, with production ramping up by August 2025.
- Louisville, Kentucky (Global Headquarters)
A $490 million investment will allow for production of combo washer/dryers and front-load washers, supporting 800 new jobs at the company’s largest U.S. manufacturing facility. This action reinforces GE Appliances’ leadership in laundry production and increases speed-to-market with a broader portfolio of products.
Reshoring Drivers
| Driver | Description |
| Tariff Policies | Creates economic imperative for domestic manufacturing |
| Zero Distance Strategy | Enhances agility and supply chain responsiveness |
| Technology & Automation | Modernizes plants and improves production efficiency |
| Product Portfolio Expansion | Adds new product lines with in-country manufacturing capabilities |
| Regional Economic Support | Supports state-level economic growth and job creation |
| Continued U.S. Investment | Builds on existing $6.5B infrastructure and history |
| Workforce Engagement | Cultivates skilled labor and local economic inclusion |
Regional Economic Renewal
The state governors and particularly those in Kentucky see the investment as a validation of regional resilience. It was hailed by Louisville officials as proof that the state has a talented workforce and is a national leader in advanced appliance production. This investment increases regional economic resiliency and growth potential.
Workforce Development and Community Investment
GE Appliances is augmenting its workforce development programs by collaborating with universities, vocational schools, and high schools to equip the next generation of skilled workers.
The company further provides flexible work arrangements, apprenticeships, transportation support, and even on-site medical care illustrating their people-centric strategy in creating a sustainable manufacturing community.
Strategic Implications
- Supply Chain Resilience: Shifting production lines within the U.S. diminishes risks associated with global logistics and tariffs.
- Greater Flexibility: Geographic proximity to retail and design hubs allows quicker reaction to market fluctuations and consumer demands.
- Innovation Boost: Enhanced plants with automation capabilities can fuel productivity and product innovation.
- Domestic Manufacturing Leadership: With a $6.5B total footprint, GE Appliances is among the largest active domestic manufacturing investors.
- Regional Development: The investment revitalizes factory towns with new jobs and infrastructure improvements.
- Policy Alignment: The action squarely falls into changing U.S. industrial policy supporting reshoring and “Made in America” supply chains.
Thus, GE Appliances’ $3 billion U.S. manufacturing investment isn’t merely a matter of dollars it is a strategic wager on claiming domestic manufacturing leadership in the face of global trade headwinds. With billions in factory modernization, hiring, and training built into its strategy, the company reasserts its role as an American industrial force even as it operates under Chinese ownership.
