FINDLAY, Ohio, Jan. 26, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Whirlpool
Corporation (NYSE: WHR), the world's largest global manufacturer
and marketer of major home appliances is building on the company's
40 years of commitment to sustainability by using wind energy to
power its manufacturing facility located in Findlay, Ohio.
The Findlay Wind Farm is an $18
million "Wind for Industry" project, financed by One Energy,
which provides energy solutions for large electric consumers.
On-site wind energy generation is designed to significantly reduce
an industrial facility's electric consumption from the grid.
The wind farm will have five wind turbines with Whirlpool utilizing
two and nearby Ball Company using three. Through clean,
renewable wind energy producing zero greenhouse gas emissions, the
turbines are expected to offset an estimated 22% of the Whirlpool's
electric consumption. Each turbine is expected to generate enough
electricity equivalent to the amount required to power 300-400
average homes.
"We're excited to join One Energy and the Findlay community for this project," said
Dale Laws, Vice President Findlay
Operations, Whirlpool Corporation. "For more than 40 years,
Whirlpool Corporation has made a number of significant advancements
in sustainability. The Findlay Wind Farm project is an example of
how global companies like Whirlpool can make a positive impact at
the local level, and the global level by minimizing the
impact of our operations on the environment."
For each turbine, Whirlpool Corporation will create one
$5,000 Megawatt Scholarship to be
awarded each year the turbine is in operation. Two scholarships
(one per turbine) will be awarded annually to a graduating high
school senior from the local school districts. The scholarships are
designed to encourage education in the technologies and industries
of the future. Eligible students will be those seeking a two or
four year technical degree in the fields of science, technology,
engineering, and mathematics (STEM) at an accredited college.
"This project further demonstrates Whirlpool's commitment to
sustainability," said Ron Voglewede,
Global Sustainability Director, Whirlpool Corporation. "We're
making positive progress on improving our operations' footprint,
while manufacturing energy efficient products. The dishwashers we
make in Findlay are designed to
lower energy and water consumption for our consumers while
improving performance, the same as the Findlay Wind Farm will do
for our plant."
Feasibility studies were conducted to ensure responsible siting
by assessing any potential impacts of turbine installation,
including sound propagation and environmental impact. Construction
is scheduled to begin in the Spring and the turbines are
expected to be operational beginning in late 2015.
About Whirlpool Corporation
Whirlpool Corporation is
the world's leading global manufacturer and marketer of major home
appliances, with annual sales of approximately $19 billion in 2013, 69,000 employees, and 59
manufacturing and technology research centers around the world. The
company markets Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid, Jenn-Air, Amana,
Brastemp, Consul, Bauknecht and other major brand names. We
earn the trust of consumers in nearly every country by focusing on
what matters most. Additional information about the company can be
found at http://www.whirlpoolcorp.com/
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SOURCE Whirlpool Corporation