COLUMBIA, S.C. – GE Appliances (GEA), a Haier company, today announced the creation of a new Manufacturing Center of Excellence for production of water heaters at its Kershaw County plant. The company is investing $60 million in the project.  

GE Appliances is renovating and retooling the existing plant, which currently produces refrigerators, into a state-of-the-art, high-volume water heater production facility with capacity for future growth. 

Through GE Appliances’ expansion, current employees will have the opportunity to assist in creating the new water heater production line – and will resume work in similar positions when the new line begins.

Operations are expected to be online in the fourth quarter of 2020. 

Quotes

“Today, GE Appliances is taking the latest step on our journey to become the leading major appliance business in the U.S.Using the latest, innovative manufacturing technology and processes, our new Water Heater Manufacturing Center of Excellence will enhance our U.S. production footprint and enable us to continue expanding our portfolio of Made in America products.” –GE Appliances CEO Kevin Nolan

“The Kershaw County community has a long-standing relationship with GE Appliances, and we welcome the company’s new Manufacturing Center of Excellence. Manufacturing innovation is integral to economic progress, and I am delighted that South Carolina will provide the infrastructure and skilled workforce that enables GE Appliances’ continued success.” –Gov. Henry McMaster

“Today’s announcement is the latest welcome addition to investments that innovative businesses like GE Appliances are making in South Carolina. This manufacturing team has been a strong partner to the Kershaw County community for 20 years, and we are excited that the company is continuing to thrive in South Carolina’s pro-business environment.” –Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt

“GE Appliances/Haier is a longtime pillar of the Kershaw County business community, and we thank them for this significant investment and symbol of their continued commitment. Kershaw County is proud to continue attracting advanced manufacturing investments. This investment is a testament to the thriving business environment we’re creating to promote jobs and economic growth.” –Kershaw County Council Chair Julian Burns