Whirlpool Corporation is a leading American multinational manufacturer of home appliances. The company was founded on November 11, 1911, by Louis Upton and Emory Upton in St. Joseph, Michigan. Originally called the Upton Machine Company, it started as a manufacturer of motor-driven wringer washing machines. In 1949, the company changed its name to Whirlpool Corporation, inspired by its first automatic washing machine, the Whirlpool model.
Whirlpool's primary focus is designing, manufacturing, and marketing a wide range of household appliances. Their product portfolio includes refrigerators, washing machines, dryers, dishwashers, stoves, ovens, and other home appliances. Over the years, the company has expanded its offerings and acquired several other well-known brands, such as Maytag, KitchenAid, and JennAir.
As a global corporation, Whirlpool operates in multiple markets around the world. It has manufacturing facilities in various countries, serving customers in nearly every region. The company's headquarters are currently located in Benton Charter Township, Michigan, USA.
Whirlpool Corporation is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the ticker symbol "WHR." It is one of the Fortune 500 companies, indicating its significant size and influence in the industry. The company's stock is also a component of the S&P 500 index, which includes 500 of the largest publicly traded companies in the United States.
Throughout its history, Whirlpool has been a pioneer in home appliance technology and innovation. It has introduced numerous groundbreaking products and features, such as the first automatic washing machine and the first washer with a porcelain-on-steel tub. The company continues to invest in research and development to create energy-efficient and smart appliances that meet the evolving needs of consumers worldwide.