Retail Observer

AUGUST 2025 RETAILOBSERVER.COM 19 BUILT FOR AMERICA: GE APPLIANCES COMPLETES $180 MILLION EXPANSION AT GEORGIA PLANT Latest milestone brings total investment in U.S. manufacturing to $3.5 billion since 2016 GE Appliances, a Haier company, announced the completion of an expanded $180 million investment at its Roper Corporation cooking products plant in LaFayette, Georgia – underscoring the company's Built for America commitment to U.S. manufacturing and delivering innovation to American homes. This investment includes an additional $60 million above the previously announced total. Since 2016, GE Appliances – currently rated America's #1 Appliance Company¹ – has invested over $3.5 billion in new technology and products across its U.S. operations, more than any other competitor. "At GE Appliances, we're investing in American manufacturing – right here in Georgia," said Luther Ingram, executive director and plant manager at Roper Corporation. "By combining advanced automation with the skills and dedication of our local team, we're creating high- quality jobs, launching breakthrough products, and ensuring that 'Georgia Made' ranges are being shipped to homes across the country." This investment has enabled the purchase of state-of-the-art equipment, expanded production capacity, and accelerated the launch of innovative new products – most notably the new GE Profile™ induction range, a more accessible and affordable way for consumers to experience induction cooking. • The plant's new high-volume production lines can produce gas, electric, or induction ranges, and flex to meet customer demand. • New assembly lines feature advanced manufacturing technology, including robotic cells that assemble glass cooktops, program control boards, and rotate units for easier final assembly. • Robotics usage has more than tripled at Roper, improving efficiency and employee ergonomics. • Workforce development programs, including robotics training for employees, are funded in part by a state grant and delivered in partnership with Georgia Northwestern Technical College. • The combined investment has added more than 600 new jobs to the plant. "Investments by manufacturers such as GE Appliances at Roper Corporation are a major reason why Georgia boasts a gross regional product (GRP) of $678.2 billion, the 8th highest among U.S.," said Lloyd Avram, president and CEO for the Georgia Association of Manufacturers. "Georgia's manufacturing sector, employing 426,940 production workers, is responsible for $77 billion of that output." EMPLOYMENT AND INVESTMENT IMPACT IN GEORGIA In 2024 alone, GE Appliances spent $235 million with 359 Georgia suppliers, and the company employs 2,650 people in Georgia.

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