FINDLAY, Ohio, June 15, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Whirlpool
Corporation (NYSE: WHR), the world's largest global manufacturer
and marketer of major home appliances broke ground today on the
Findlay Wind Farm, an $18 million
"Wind for Industry" project, financed by One Energy, which provides
energy solutions for large electric consumers.
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, 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.
In recognition of the company's commitment to
scholarships, Goldwind America, the supplier of the wind turbines
for this project, announced the creation of one $500 "Megawatt Scholarship" per wind turbine per
year for local students pursuing STEM degrees. In addition, Ohio
Logistics, who played a large role in the land transactions that
made this project possible, announced a $1,000 per year "Megawatt Scholarship" for local
students pursuing STEM degrees.
During the groundbreaking One Energy also announced plans for
two paved basketball courts and one walking path to be installed by
spring 2016. "One Energy is pleased to provide these amenities to
the community of Findlay in
celebration and recognition of this wind farm," said Jereme Kent, general manager, One Energy.
"We're making positive progress on improving our operations'
footprint, while manufacturing energy efficient products,"said
Ron Voglewede, Global Sustainability
Director, Whirlpool Corporation. "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 immediately and the turbines are expected to
be operational beginning late this year.
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