Whirlpool 2003 Annual Report Download - page 14

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■I.D. Magazine recognized Whirlpool in the international design
publication’s "Annual Design Review" competition. The Whirlpool Duet
washer and dryer pair, and Whirlpool Europe’s Project F conceptual
fabric care products won top honors.
■Whirlpool co-sponsored the 2003 Jimmy Carter Work Project in the
U.S. Employee volunteers helped build 92 homes, and the company
donated nearly 800 appliances. JCWP is a program of Habitat for
Humanity International.
Reaching Every Home … Everywhere
Since the late 1980s, when Whirlpool Corporation was primarily U.S.-
based, the company has steadily expanded its operating footprint and
integrated substantial business capabilities across global markets.
Unlike other regional competitors looking to find a toehold in other
parts of the world, Whirlpool already has in place a network of
strategically located manufacturing facilities worldwide.
Whirlpool’s global enterprise also holds other unique competitive
advantages in distribution, technology, procurement and information
technology. These capabilities form the backbone of Whirlpool’s
enviable global operating platform that supports our operations as
they carry out customer loyalty initiatives in all of our markets.
Operating responsibly worldwide
As a company, we hold ourselves accountable for running our
businesses and facilities in a manner that is sensitive to the stakeholders
we serve and to the communities in which we operate around the
world.
Last year, for example, Whirlpool pledged that by 2008, the
company will reduce its global greenhouse gas emissions by 3 percent
from the company’s 1998 emissions level, while also increasing our
appliance production by nearly 40 percent over the same 10-year
period. Whirlpool is the first company in the global appliance industry
to make such a commitment.
Whirlpool also is committing significant time and resources to help
address important social issues worldwide. In addition to the
company’s direct involvement in contributing to the communities in which
we operate, our global operations are at the forefront of initiatives
that provide critical support to women and their families. And as the
leading corporate supporter of Habitat for Humanity International,
Whirlpool helps provide affordable housing to low income families
throughout North America.
Within the company, we are acting on our belief that to fully
understand the unique needs of our customers living in countries and
cultures worldwide, Whirlpool must reflect the diversity of those
customers we serve. The success of our customer loyalty and innovation
efforts depends on our ability to create an inclusive environment
within Whirlpool that embraces each individual's unique strengths
and allows everyone to contribute to the fullest potential.
Outlook
Whirlpool Corporation enters 2004 with good business momentum
and positive economic trends in our key markets worldwide.
For the full year, we expect continued improvement in earnings
based on the competitive advantages of Whirlpool’s unique global
platform, the continued positive response by consumers to our
innovative products and services, and the relentless drive by our
employees to build unmatched levels of customer loyalty for our
brands.
David R. Whitwam
Chairman of the Board and
Chief Executive Officer