GE Appliances, a Haier company, has invested $28 million in its refrigeration plant in Decatur, bringing the company’s five-year total in U.S. manufacturing to $3 billion.
The most recent investment in the Alabama plant includes equipment upgrades and the opening of a new primary care clinic for its employees and their families. The plant produces 16-22-cubic-foot refrigerators.
A significant portion of the $28 million investment went to fund highly automated thermoforming machines that produce interior liners for fresh food and freezer sections of top-freezer refrigerators. The technology improves efficiency and expands production capacity across multiple models, supporting the plant’s three-shift operation. Upgrades to lighting and air-conditioning units also were made.
“Investing in advanced manufacturing and employee health is a winning combination that strengthens our business,” said Rocki Rockingham, chief human resources officer at GE Appliances. “How we show up matters. At GE Appliances, we are creating appliances our consumers love in an environment where our employees can do their best work and build lasting careers.”
The investment is part of GE Appliances’ work to expand its manufacturing footprint and increase investment in American communities. The Decatur plant opened in 1977. It is the highest-volume refrigeration plant in the country, according to GE Appliances.
GE Appliances also is investing in employees’ health with a primary care clinic on the Decatur site. It is the company’s fourth onsite advanced care clinic at its manufacturing facilities. Care will be provided by CareATC and will be free to employees on the company’s health plan.
“At GE Appliances, investing in the health of our people is investing in the success of our business,” said Michele Clark, senior health services manager at GE Appliances. “This new clinic gives employees access to high-quality primary care that fits into their everyday lives.”
According to the company, GE Appliances contributes more than $2.1 billion annually to Alabama’s gross domestic product, directly employing 1,600 people in Alabama and supporting additional jobs across the state through its suppliers and operations.
