These kinds of decisions are never easy, and we make them only after comprehensive evaluation of alternatives.
Al Holaday, Vice President, Manufacturing Operations, North American Region, Whirlpool

Whirlpool (NYSE:WHR) will shutter its Oxford, Mississippi Puebla, Mexico, manufacturing facilities. Units produced at Oxford will be transferred to Cleveland, Tennessee Production at Puebla will be moved to Celaya, Mexico. The loss of jobs at the two facilities will be partially offset by an increase in hiring at the Celaya and Cleveland plants.

The appliance industry has been particularly hard hit by rising energy and raw material costs. GE announced today that it plans to spin off its entire consumer and industrial unit (see story).

The closures are part of a global operating strategy effort aimed at increasing manufacturing efficiencies.

"These kinds of decisions are never easy, and we make them only after comprehensive evaluation of alternatives," said Al Holaday, vice president, Manufacturing Operations, North American Region.

"This is in no way a reflection on our Oxford or Puebla employees, who by all accounts have performed very well," added Holaday. "We will work closely with the employees to help ensure as smooth a transition as possible."

Whirlpool is the largest manufacturer appliances in the world. The company employs 73,000 people worldwide.