Front or top loader washer?

[davet753]

I'm pretty sure Whirlpool closed down the Newton plant in 2007. Maytag (before the Whirlpool take over) actually manufactured two completely different lines of laundry equipment. The Newton, Iowa plant (their original) turned out the regular Maytag "Dependable Care" line and commercial coin-op machines. When Maytag bought out Norge, they kept the laundry plant in Herrin, Illinois. The Illinois plant turned out Norge, Crosley, Admiral, Magic Chef, and Performa brands. Sadly, Whirlpool shut it down, too. Even the low end stuff from the Herrin plant had an edge on Whirlpool (belt drive, 3/4 h.p. motors, 22 lb. capacity), but the plant was old and needed updating.

[dieseljeep]

Originally Posted by davet753

I'm pretty sure Whirlpool closed down the Newton plant in 2007. Maytag (before the Whirlpool take over) actually manufactured two completely different lines of laundry equipment. The Newton, Iowa plant (their original) turned out the regular Maytag "Dependable Care" line and commercial coin-op machines. When Maytag bought out Norge, they kept the laundry plant in Herrin, Illinois. The Illinois plant turned out Norge, Crosley, Admiral, Magic Chef, and Performa brands. Sadly, Whirlpool shut it down, too. Even the low end stuff from the Herrin plant had an edge on Whirlpool (belt drive, 3/4 h.p. motors, 22 lb. capacity), but the plant was old and needed updating.

It was just in the news this week where they want to tear down the GM Janesville, Wi plant. GM spent around 170 Million on updates before closing it down. Corporate thinking!

[user181]

Originally Posted by dieseljeep

I didn't think the Whirlpool-Maytag merger was that early!

Took place in 2006. The Neptune product line basically did the company in.

[dieseljeep]

Originally Posted by user181

Took place in 2006. The Neptune product line basically did the company in.

That was just one nail in the coffin. The Maytag product line always sold for a little more money, but they had a lot of repeat ownership.
That's why Whirlpool didn't drop the branding.