Whirlpool 2011 Annual Report Download - page 11

9
Quality
At Whirlpool Corporation, when we design a new, global
product platform, we can quickly launch it in every one
of our factories in the same way, using the best of our
existing assets and optimizing our manufacturing capital.
A refrigerator, for example, is made with exactly the
same manufacturing sequence in North America, Europe,
South America or Asia.
In 2011, the company began to standardize the front-load
24-inch washer platform across Europe, Asia and Brazil.
This is a product that is steadily popular in those markets,
and with consistent parts and manufacturing processes,
we are efficiently delivering innovative laundry solutions
to consumers in diverse markets.
The products we produce are sold in nearly every country
around the world, which is why we recognize the importance
of having regional flexibility to customize products to meet
the needs of our local consumers and their lifestyles. We
also have the agility to efficiently move inventory through
our network and into homes. A North America Supply
Chain initiative in 2011 realized $10 million in savings
during its first six months of implementation through
changes that include more efficient warehouse product
staging and combined transportation runs.
As we think about our second century and what it will take
to succeed, we will never lose sight of our commitment
to deliver highly sought-after solutions that delight our
consumers. By producing in the regions where we market
our appliances, we provide flexibility and a real knowledge
of our consumers. That has been our standard of success
for more than 100 years, and it is our challenge and
opportunity for the next century.