GE Appliances today unveiled a strategic investment exceeding $3 billion aimed at significantly expanding and modernizing its U.S. manufacturing operations, while simultaneously repatriating production of key appliances from China and Mexico. The ambitious plan is set to create over 1,000 new American jobs and ramp up domestic output across facilities in Kentucky, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, and South Carolina over the next five years.  The expansion includes the shifting of gas range manufacturing from Mexico to the Roper plant in LaFayette.

This investment, marking the second-largest in the company’s history, underscores a long-term commitment to U.S.-based production. “Our long-term strategy is about manufacturing close to our customers,” said GE Appliances CEO Kevin Nolan. “With lean manufacturing, upskilling our workforce and automation, the math works for manufacturing in the United States.”

The comprehensive multiyear plan will see several product lines currently manufactured abroad brought to U.S. soil:

  • Georgia (LaFayette): Production of gas ranges, previously made in Mexico, will shift to GE’s Roper Plant in LaFayette, Walker County.
  • Alabama (Decatur): Six models of refrigerators currently manufactured in China will move to the company’s plant in Decatur.
  • South Carolina (Camden): The Camden plant will add the production of electric and hybrid heat pump water heaters, which are currently made in China. This move is expected to double the factory’s output and employment upon completion. The plant currently produces gas water heaters.
  • Tennessee (Selmer): The Selmer plant is slated to produce two new models of air conditioners.
  • Kentucky (Louisville): Building on a previously announced $490 million investment, GE Appliances’ expansive Appliance Park complex in Louisville will take over production of a combo washer/dryer unit and more than 15 models of front-load washers, all currently made in China.

This latest endeavor pushes GE Appliances’ total investment in its 11 U.S. manufacturing plants and nationwide distribution network to $6.5 billion since 2016.

Beyond the direct job creation, the company emphasized its commitment to developing a skilled workforce, stating it is partnering with universities, technical schools, and high schools to ensure its facilities have access to a well-trained talent pipeline.

The move signifies a growing trend among manufacturers to strengthen domestic supply chains and enhance proximity to target markets.