GE Appliances has unveiled plans for a landmark $3 billion investment over the next five years, focused on expanding and modernising its U.S. manufacturing footprint. The initiative is designed to reinforce domestic production capabilities, create new jobs, and support a broader strategy to localise supply chains and mitigate exposure to global trade risks. This reshoring effort continues GE Appliances’ commitment to its “zero-distance” manufacturing model, bringing operations closer to consumers and decision-makers.
A Nationwide Investment in Capacity and Innovation
The company’s investment will be spread across its facilities in Kentucky, Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, and South Carolina. This represents GE Appliances’ largest U.S. expansion since the opening of Appliance Park in the 1950s. The investment will support the production of key appliance categories such as air conditioners, water heaters, and gas ranges, helping to shift manufacturing away from overseas facilities.
Since being acquired by Haier in 2016, GE Appliances has invested $2.5 billion into U.S. operations. With this new announcement, the total commitment will reach $6.5 billion, reflecting the brand’s long-term vision to strengthen its domestic supply chain.
Reshoring and Job Growth
The reshoring initiative will create more than 1,000 new jobs, adding to the company’s 15,000-person workforce across the U.S. Earlier this year, GE Appliances announced a separate $490 million investment at its headquarters in Louisville, Kentucky. That project involves relocating production of front-load washers and combo units from China to the U.S., adding 800 new jobs. The redesigned laundry facility will incorporate automation and robotics, including automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), with full deployment expected by 2027.
Responding to Economic and Policy Pressures
The move aligns with a growing reshoring trend in U.S. industry. Tariff pressures, evolving global trade policies, and lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic have all contributed to a renewed focus on domestic production. GE Appliances is among a wave of companies alongside sectors like semiconductors and pharmaceuticals making bold moves to regain control over their supply chains.
Beyond the manufacturing benefits, GE Appliances estimates that its broader U.S. operations contribute over $30 billion in economic impact annually, supporting more than 113,000 jobs through its network of suppliers, partners, and distributors.
What This Means for Procurement Leaders
For procurement professionals, GE Appliances’ expansion sends a clear message: resilient, localised supply chains are no longer optional—they are a competitive advantage. The company’s focus on smart manufacturing will require suppliers to evolve, offering higher levels of flexibility, digital integration, and sustainability. The shift also signals a greater emphasis on long-term value and supplier collaboration rather than just cost reduction.
With new production hubs being established and automation on the rise, procurement teams must be ready to meet demands for speed, innovation, and digital capability. Workforce development, data visibility, and strategic supplier relationships will become critical levers in supporting GE Appliances’ transformation and similar moves across the manufacturing sector.
Closing Insights
GE Appliances’ $3 billion investment represents more than a financial commitment; it’s a strategic pivot that reflects the evolving priorities of modern manufacturing. As the company brings production closer to home, procurement leaders must adapt to this new reality where resilience, automation, and partnership define success.
About GE Appliances
GE Appliances, a Haier company, is headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, and produces appliances under brands including GE, GE Profile™, Café™, Monogram™, Haier™, and Hotpoint™. With manufacturing plants and distribution centres across the U.S., GE Appliances has been a leader in reshoring efforts and innovation in smart manufacturing since its acquisition by Haier in 2016.
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