LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A $60 million investment will bring hundreds of new, full-time jobs to Louisville's GE Appliance Park. The company announced the expansion Monday.
The investment includes the production of high-end refrigerators and a conversion to a refrigerant with a lower global warming potential, according to a release from the company.
"GE Appliances has a long history as an innovator and jobs-creator here in Louisville, and with today's announcement is showing a renewed commitment to our commonwealth, our people and our growing manufacturing history," Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said.
The new line of four-door refrigerators will feature a traditional fresh food area and a freezer, as well as a convertible section that can be used as either a freezer or refrigerator. GE said the line is the "fastest-growing segment in high-end refrigeration."
The company added that it will produce other new refrigeration product models, including quad-door and counter-depth options, in the future.
According to the press release, the new refrigerant, known as R600a, will help create more environmentally-friendly refrigerators by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
“We are committed to growing our manufacturing footprint in the United States to serve customers faster and better,” said GE Appliances President and Chief Executive Officer Kevin Nolan.
Bill Good, the vice president of manufacturing for GE Appliances, highlighted that this new product line was developed during the COVID-19 pandemic - when suppliers and vendors were unable to visit the plant and the demand for products was high.
"Our teams worked tirelessly to ensure progress without disrupting production," Good said.
GE has opened up more than 15,000 new jobs in Kentucky since it began operations in the state. The new manufacturing job openings added with this investment are available to view on the GE Appliances website.
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