Whirlpool to close Fort Smith plant next year

A Whirlpool employee walks across the parking lot during the afternoon shift change at the Fort Smith plant Friday, Nov. 14, 2008.
A Whirlpool employee walks across the parking lot during the afternoon shift change at the Fort Smith plant Friday, Nov. 14, 2008.

The Whirlpool Corp. plant in Fort Smith will close in mid-2012, eliminating more than 1,000 jobs, a spokesman for the United Steel Workers union there said Thursday afternoon. The company was holding a meeting with employees.

U.S. Rep. Steve Womack, R-Ark., released a statement saying he was disappointed the plant is closing.

The Benton Harbor, Mich.-based company has been studying options for its Fort Smith plant after demand for its products slumped during the recession.

The Fort Smith plant employs about 1,100 people — down from a 2006 peak of about 4,600.

The company recently laid off more than 20 Fort Smith employees and earlier this year said it may eliminate as many as 270 jobs. More than 800 hourly positions were cut at the Fort Smith plant in November.

Whirlpool opened the Fort Smith plant in 1966 where it now manufactures side-by-side refrigerators, trash compactors and related parts.

The company announced in 2005 that it would shift some refrigerator production from its Fort Smith plant to Ramos Arizpe, Mexico.

A news release from the city said retraining opportunities for laid off employees would be a priority.

"During the past several years, approximately 3,500 Whirlpool workers have been laid off, and most have found other employment in the regional economy," the news release stated.

Mayor Sandy Sanders said in the news release that manufacturing has long been an important part of Fort Smith's economy.

"We will continue to do everything we can to retain our diverse manufacturing base, but today’s announcement underscores the importance of developing a broader base of employment opportunities," Sanders said.

Read tomorrow's Arkansas Democrat-Gazette for full details.

Thank you for coming to the Web site of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. We're working to keep you informed with the latest breaking news.

Upcoming Events