GE has reportedly sold its appliance division, including Lafayette's Roper plant to a Chinese firm, for $5.4 billion.

Haier is the name of the company – they manufacture washing machines, refrigerators, and microwaves, but currently have limited sales in the U.S.

That sale has been approved by each company's board of directors.

It's said to be the third-largest acquisition of an American Company.

GE's appliance division headquarters will remain in Louisville, Kentucky, and will retain the present management team; what that means for Roper employees remains to be seen.

(WQCH)