Whirlpool CEO Responds to Letter from Miller-Meeks, Hinson on Amana Layoffs

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks today acknowledged a response from Whirlpool CEO Marc Bitzer after she and Congresswoman Ashley Hinson sent a letter to Whirlpool Corporation seeking answers regarding recent layoffs at the company’s Amana manufacturing facility.

In their original letter, the Members raised concerns about the impact of the layoffs on Iowa workers and requested clarification about the company’s long-term plans for the Amana plant.

In his response, Bitzer stated that "Amana is a vital part of our company’s U.S. manufacturing footprint" and acknowledged the difficult impact recent decisions will have on employees and their families. 

The response states that Whirlpool has invested more than $150 million in the Amana facility in recent years and described ongoing operational changes as part of a "modernization effort" intended to maintain the plant’s long-term viability. 

Statement from Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks:

"I appreciate Whirlpool responding to our letter and addressing the serious concerns we raised about the layoffs in Amana. The reality is that 341 hardworking Iowa men and women are facing an incredibly difficult moment, and my focus is making sure they are not left behind. My office will do whatever is necessary to help connect these workers and their families with the resources and opportunities they need during this transition.

I will continue working with Whirlpool and other manufacturers to ensure Iowa jobs remain in Iowa, and are not shipped overseas to countries like Mexico. I strongly believe that because of the Made in America provisions we passed in the Working Families Tax Cuts, along with our efforts to unleash affordable domestic energy, we are on the cusp of the next great American manufacturing boom. Iowa should play a central role in it. Iowa workers are the best in the world, and there is no better place to hire American workers or build American products."

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