Home appliances giant Whirlpool has announced plans to adjust its manufacturing business in China and will close its washing machine plant, cutting 600 jobs.
This adjustment will reportedly only involve Whirlpool's manufacturing bases and will not affect its headquarters, research center or daily management in China. The 600 employees affected by the closure of the Shanghai plant include 200 full-time employees and 400 temporary workers.
In the future, Whirlpool's washing machine plant will be moved to the Hisense-Whirlpool joint venture's manufacturing plant in Zhejiang. This joint venture was founded by Whirlpool and Hisense Kelon Electrical Holdings Company in April 2008, with each company holding a 50% stake, and the joint venture is mainly engaged in the development and production of washing machines and refrigerators.