Newswise — Whirlpool Corp. announced May 10 that it would cut 4,500 jobs, close plants and consolidate offices, 40 days after completing its acquisition of Newton, Iowa-based Maytag Corp.
Maytag's corporate headquarters, research center and washer and dryer plants in Newton will close, as will factories in Illinois and Arkansas. Administrative offices in Illinois, Canada and Mexico also are slated to close.
The Maytag name has been a part of Newton's history since 1893. Maytag began producing washing machines there in 1907, and in 1911 introduced the first washing machine with an electric motor.
Faculty at Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa, can provide perspective for the media. The following experts are available to discuss business and economic impacts of the pending Whirlpool closures and what they may mean in the Newton community and elsewhere in the U.S.
Jon RyanState director, Small Business Development Center
Ryan will be meeting with one of Maytag's phase-out managers and can discuss entrepreneurial training, starting a business, and acquiring an existing business.
Peter OrazemUniversity Professor of economics
Orazem can discuss labor economics and union relations; local, state and national employment statistics; and trade and manufacturing issues.
Frank MontabonAssistant professor of operations & supply chain management
Montabon can discuss issues related to offshoring of operations by major U.S. firms such as Maytag/Whirlpool, the direction of supply chain management in general, and U.S. business competitiveness. He just returned from the Institute of Supply Management conference where offshoring was a central issue.
Tim BorichAssociate dean for research and outreach, College of DesignDirector, ISU Extension to Communities and Economic DevelopmentAssociate professor, community and regional planning
Borich can discuss community economic development, rural sociology and development, citizen participation and community planning.
RSS