GE Appliances has announced a $3 billion investment in domestic operations, with the aim of significantly expanding its manufacturing capabilities.
The Kentucky-based corporation plans to invest the capital over the span of five years, with a significant portion of that funding being allocated to the GE plant in Decatur, Alabama.
The location in the River City, according to the company, is its top-freezer refrigerator plant.
“We are defining the future of manufacturing at GE Appliances by investing in our plants, people, and communities,” said Kevin Nolan, president and CEO of GE Appliances. “No other appliance company over the last decade has invested more in U.S. manufacturing than we have, and our $3 billion, five-year plan shows that our commitment to U.S. manufacturing will continue into the future.”
Bill Good, vice president of supply chain for GE Appliances, explained the importance of the company’s massive investment.
“Infrastructure and tools matter, but they are not enough,” said Good. “America’s manufacturing renaissance will be built by people. That’s why we’re partnering with universities, technical schools, and high schools to develop the next generation of manufacturing leaders. We’re not just bringing jobs back — we’re bringing purpose, pride, and possibility back to American industry.”
The Decatur plant will begin insourcing six 22 cu. ft. models to better support customer demand. The company expects that production will increase significantly by the end of August 2025.
Key economic highlights for the Decatur plant:
- $2.1 billion contributed annually to Alabama’s GDP
- $114 million spent annually with 194 Alabama suppliers
- $95 million in generated state and local taxes
- $9 million investment in new thermoforming equipment
- New on-site primary care clinic opening in 2025 for employees and their families
- Partnership with the AL FAME program, with nine graduates currently employed and eight students actively participating
GE Appliances previously completed a $125 million expansion project at the North Alabama plant in 2020. The investment was projected to create 255 new jobs, taking total employment to 1,300. Per GE, the expansion grew plant capacity by 25%, creating its “refrigerator super site.”
The first phase of GE Appliance’s investment plan will begin at its locations in Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky, and South Carolina.
Upon completion of the latest plan, GE Appliances will have invested $6.5 billion across its U.S. manufacturing plants and nationwide distribution network since 2016.
Austen Shipley is the News Director for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @ShipleyAusten
