Maytag® Washers, Made with Pride in Clyde, Ohio

CLYDE, Ohio, March 7, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Continuing a legacy of consumer and manufacturing innovations, a Maytag Centennial® washer marked the milestone of being the one-millionth washing machine assembled on a newly launched line in the Clyde, Ohio manufacturing plant. This new line produces the top two selling top-load washers in the United States according to NPD Group data January 2011 -- the No. 1 selling Centennial® washer (MVWC400XW) and the No. 2 selling Bravos X™ washer (MVWX500XW).

To view the multimedia assets associated with this release, please click: http://multivu.prnewswire.com/mnr/whirlpool/48989/

(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110307/MM59701 )

The new assembly line was launched last summer, specifically to manufacture a new generation of laundry products. The result was such a high level of manufacturing efficiency, that assemblers were able to build the first millionth washer in just 35 weeks. Previous product launches have taken three to five times longer to reach the same milestone.

"We removed an assembly line that had been producing thousands of units a day for more than a quarter of a century and re-built it from the ground up," said Alan Holaday, vice president, manufacturing operations, North America Region, for Maytag. "With the increased capacity and energy and water savings found in the Centennial® and Bravos X™ models, built on that new line, Maytag brand's commitment to manufacturing excellence is only matched with our commitment to delivering products consumers demand."

Beyond the speed of the assembly line, there are a number of significant efficiencies consumers will enjoy from this new generation of washers made in Clyde. The washers offer an increased capacity which means two fewer loads of laundry each week for the average family(i). In addition, the  majority of the top-load washers also are ENERGY STAR® qualified and Tier 3 CEE qualified, providing a level of water and energy savings normally only found in front-load washers.

Staying true to Maytag's belief that "What's Inside Matters™," this millionth washer – like all of Maytag brand's laundry solutions - was built with Maytag® Commercial Technology (MCT). The drive system is tested to twice the life of the appliance(ii).

Also coming off the highly-efficient manufacturing line in Clyde are the Bravos® top-load washer and Maytag brand's latest innovation, Maxima™, a front-load washer; both offering the best cleaning in the industry enabled by the PowerWash™(iii, iv) cycle. The PowerWash cycle provides extra cleaning action and a thorough rinse to fight difficult stains.

The Maxima™ washer (MHW7000X) uses about 12 gallons of water, an amazing feat when just 10 years ago the traditional top load in many U.S. homes used more than 40 gallons of water per load. This model uses up to 81 percent less water and 79 percent less energy(v). The Maxima™ washer was recently highly rated by a leading consumer magazine.

The Bravos®, Bravos X™ and Maxima™ washers also are backed by a 10-year limited parts warranty on the motor and stainless steel wash basket.

About Maytag Brand  

For more than a century, Maytag brand appliances have been synonymous with dependability and durability. Through the commitment of Whirlpool Corporation, Maytag brand's enduring tradition of quality production and performance continues to thrive. Exceptionally durable, commercial-grade components are found in many Maytag brand appliances – including Maytag® Maxima™ front-load and Maytag® Bravos® top-load washers and dryers. Maytag brand is part of the Whirlpool Corporation, the world's leading manufacturer and marketer of major home appliances, with annual sales of approximately $18 billion in 2010, 71,000 employees, and 67 manufacturing and technology research centers around the world. For more information on any Maytag brand appliance, visit http://www.maytag.com.

SOURCE Maytag