GE's sale of their appliance division including the Roper plant in Lafayette to a Chinese firm came as a great surprise to those working at Roper and to the community at large.

A statement from the new owner, Haier, reads, in part, as follows "The acquisition of GE Appliances is an important investment in expanding Haier's presence in the U.S. and in the western hemisphere. The transaction will create immediate and long-term value…not only for the communities in which both companies operate but also for employees, customers, business partners and shareholders. The purchase will provide GE Appliances access to the demand for its high-quality products in the China Market and also position the company for further international growth – providing increased opportunities for all employees."

The company added that the GE Appliance Headquarters will remain in Louisville Kentucky and it will continue to be operated independently, under the direction of a local board, with the participation of GE's current senior management team.

Reportedly the deal will not be finalized until sometime around mid-year (2016) – and from that point on, we should see more concrete evidence of what the future holds for Roper and its employees.

(Information provided in part by WQCH)