GE Appliances has announced a major investment exceeding USD 150 million aimed at reinforcing its domestic supply chain. The initiative includes new supply agreements with 22 manufacturers across 10 U.S. states, supporting expanded production at the company’s washing machine facility in Louisville, Kentucky.
This move marks another step in GE Appliances’ long-term strategy to localize manufacturing, reduce supply chain distance, and improve operational resilience.
1. New Supplier Contracts to Support Washer Production Expansion
According to a company statement released on November 20, the newly signed contracts cover a wide range of materials and components required for washing machines and washer-dryer combo units. These include steel, aluminum, plastics, cast materials, resin, parts, and assembly components.
The Louisville manufacturing site is expected to bring its expanded production lines fully online by early 2027. Among the newly contracted suppliers are U.S. Steel, Jones Plastic and Engineering, and RCM Industries, increasing GE Appliances’ total number of U.S.-based suppliers to more than 6,500.
Earlier this year, GE Appliances also unveiled plans to invest USD 490 million specifically to expand washer and washer-dryer manufacturing capacity at the Louisville plant.
2. “Zero Distance” Strategy Drives Supply Chain Localization
The supplier expansion aligns with GE Appliances’ broader “zero distance” strategy, which focuses on shortening supply chains by increasing domestic sourcing and manufacturing proximity.
The company has committed over USD 3 billion to U.S. manufacturing investments in recent years, in addition to the USD 3.5 billion already invested since 2016. The Louisville laundry appliance expansion represents a key pillar of this strategy, designed to improve speed, flexibility, and competitiveness in a rapidly evolving market.
By sourcing materials closer to production sites, GE Appliances aims to reduce lead times, enhance supply chain visibility, and better respond to customer demand.
3. Early Supplier Collaboration Enhances Product Development
Beyond sourcing localization, GE Appliances is changing how it works with suppliers. Rather than engaging partners only after product designs are finalized, the company is involving suppliers earlier in the product development process.
According to Ashley Eckert, Senior Director of Sourcing at GE Appliances, early collaboration helps optimize designs for manufacturability, shortens development timelines, and improves overall product quality. This integrated approach strengthens supplier relationships while delivering greater value to end customers.
4. Automation and Technology Investment Accelerate Efficiency
GE Appliances is also investing heavily in automation and advanced manufacturing technologies to support its zero-distance model. Production processes across multiple product lines—including ovens and refrigerators—have already been automated.
As previously shared by Bill Good, Vice President of Supply Chain, these upgrades improve end-to-end supply chain visibility, accelerate material flow, and enhance production efficiency across facilities.
5. A Long-Term Commitment to U.S. Manufacturing
Owned by Haier since 2016, GE Appliances remains one of the largest home appliance manufacturers in the United States, with headquarters in Louisville, Kentucky. The company operates an extensive network of factories, R&D centers, and over 6,500 domestic suppliers, producing brands such as GE, GE Profile, Café, Monogram, and Haier.
From 2016 to 2025, GE Appliances’ total U.S. investment is expected to exceed USD 6.5 billion, reflecting a long-term commitment to domestic manufacturing, supply chain modernization, and capacity expansion.
