Whirpool to close Michigan machining plant, cut 216 jobs

Whirpool to cut 216 jobs, close Michigan plant

BENTON HARBOR, Mich. — Whirpool Corp. said Tuesday that it will close a machining plant in Benton Harbor, Mich., eliminating 216 jobs.

The appliance maker said it is discontinuing the production of components made at the Michigan plant and making its latest laundry products at a location in Clyde, Ohio. The Michigan plant is expected to close at the end of 2010 or early in 2011.

Whirpool has roughly 67,000 employees worldwide. About 17,000 of them work in manufacturing. The company, based in Benton Harbor, did not return calls for further comment on the decision.

Whirlpool saw profits fall during the recession as shoppers cut back on large purchases, leading the company to cut jobs and other costs to cope. But Whirpool reported in late April that it first-quarter profit more than doubled as sales of its appliances began to improved as consumers regained some confidence.

Shares of Whirlpool fell more than more than 3 percent in afternoon trading to $101.42.