In 2009, Whirlpool Corporation announced its commitment to make all electronically-controlled appliances it produces – everywhere in the world – smart grid compatible by 2015.
2007
In 2003, we became the world’s first appliance manufacturer to announce a global greenhouse gas reduction target, a 3 percent reduction from 1998 levels by 2008. We revised the target in 2007, to a goal of 6.6 percent reduction by 2012. Currently our operations’ release of toxic chemicals in the United States is nearly 90 percent less than the releases compared to the 1987 baseline year, while at the same time production increased approximately 80 percent.
2006
In 2006, Whirlpool Corporation acquired Maytag Corporation, thus extending its existing position as the world’s leading manufacturer and marketer of major home appliances to a company with annual sales of more than $19 billion, more than 80,000 employees, and over 60 manufacturing and technology research centres around the world.
2005
Whirlpool Europe opens new cooking factory on its Wroclaw, Poland, manufacturing site, producing built-in hobs and ovens under the company's entire portfolio of European brands, to be distributed across all markets in Europe. The site is also home to a dishwasher factory and a refrigeration factory, a centre of technological excellence and rapid prototyping, and a chemical waste-water treatment plant.
2004
W Whirlpool Europe becomes Premier Sponsor of the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) European tour. The company also announces the extension of its collaboration with Habitat for Humanity in Europe, and creates a milestone three-way partnership, whereby Amélie Mauresmo represents the WTA as official ambassador for Habitat for Humanity in Europe.
2002
Whirlpool completes acquisition of Polar, S.A., Poland’s leading home appliances manufacturer and top Polish brand.
2001
Habitat for Humanity International, a global, non-profit organization dedicated to eliminating poverty housing worldwide, recognizes Whirlpool Corporation for its commitment as the largest corporate donor to the project ‘More than houses: Rebuilding our Communities.
2000-2002-2004
Whirlpool launches a series of design innovation concept projects: 2000, 'Macrowave' new frontiers for the modern microwave, featured at the Milan Triennale and the Louvre, Paris. 2002, 'Project F' a concept design project looking at the future of laundry. 2004, 'in.kitchen' a visionary design project on the future of kitchen space and appliances.
1989
Whirlpool Corporation and Philips form European joint venture. Whirlpool Corporation becomes sole owner in 1991. Between 1991 and the present, Whirlpool Europe has consolidated 32 separate markets into a unified business entity.
1986
Whirlpool Corporation purchases KitchenAid.
1957
Whirlpool Corporation invests in Brasmotor S.A., for an equity stake in the Brazilian appliance market.
1950
Nineteen Hundred Corporation changes name to the Whirlpool Corporation.
1943
Guido Borghi and his three sons found the Ignis company and brand in Comerio, Italy, later to be acquired by Philips in 1972 and then by Whirlpool Corporation in 1989.
1919
Gottlob Bauknecht starts small electric workshop in Taillfingen, Germany, eventually establishing his first factory in 1933. Philips acquires Bauknecht business in 1982.
1911
Upton Machine Corporation is founded in St. Joseph, Michigan, to produce electric motor-driven wringer washers. Subsequently merges with the Nineteen Hundred Washer Co. in 1929.