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GE Appliances has announced a $28 million investment in its refrigeration manufacturing facility in Decatur, Alabama, focused on automation upgrades and workforce infrastructure, including a new on-site healthcare clinic.
The investment forms part of the company’s previously announced $3 billion plan to expand U.S. manufacturing over the next five years, reinforcing its strategy to design, engineer and build advanced products in the United States.
The Decatur site is the largest refrigeration manufacturing operation in the U.S. and the highest-volume refrigeration plant in the country, producing 16–22 cubic ft. refrigerators.
Automation upgrades expand capacity and efficiency
A significant portion of the investment has been directed toward highly automated thermoforming machines, used to produce interior liners for fresh food and freezer sections of top-freezer refrigerators.
The new technology improves efficiency and expands production capacity across multiple models, supporting the plant’s three-shift operation.
Additional facility upgrades include new lighting and 21 new commercial air-conditioning units, aimed at improving the employee work environment.
Workers assemble packaging around completed products before shipment from the newly upgraded Decatur Production Operation DPO
Manufacturing footprint expansion supports U.S. production strategy
The investment reflects its broader effort to expand its manufacturing footprint and increase investment in American communities.
The company has operated in Decatur since 1977 and said the site is nationally recognised for manufacturing excellence, producing refrigerators that rank #1 in quality and dependability.
Rocki Rockingham, Chief Human Resources Officer at GE Appliances
Rocki Rockingham, Chief Human Resources Officer at GE Appliances, said:
“Investing in advanced manufacturing and employee health is a winning combination that strengthens our business.”
“At GE Appliances, we are creating appliances our consumers love in an environment where our employees can do their best work and build lasting careers.”
GE Appliances contributes more than $2.1 billion annually to Alabama’s GDP, directly employs 1,600 people in the state, and supports thousands of additional jobs through its broader operations and supply chain.
On-site healthcare model integrated into manufacturing operations
Alongside production investments, GE Appliances has opened a new on-site primary care clinic at the Decatur facility, available to employees and covered family members aged two and older.
The clinic is the company’s fourth onsite advanced primary care facility across its manufacturing network and is operated by CareATC.
GE Appliances opens free onsite primary care clinic at the Decatur Production Operation DPO offering advanced primary care at no or low cost to employees and their families.
The company said its existing on-site clinics have delivered measurable outcomes over the past two years, including:
21.5% increase in primary care visits
28% rise in overall visits
12.3% reduction in avoidable emergency room visits among employees using the clinics
Workforce-focused model supports productivity and retention
GE Appliances has also expanded its “On the Clock Care” programme, which allows employees to attend medical appointments during working hours.
GE Appliances opens free onsite primary care clinic at the Decatur Production Operation DPO with On the Clock Care
Originally launched in 2023, the programme was extended in 2024 to include mental health services and chronic condition care, including diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol and asthma.
Michele Clark, Senior Health Services Manager at GE Appliances, said:
“At GE Appliances, investing in the health of our people is investing in the success of our business.”
“This new clinic gives employees access high-quality primary care that fits into their everyday lives.”
This article was produced by the editorial team at Manufacturing Outlook and published as part of the Outlook Publishing global network of B2B industry magazines.
Outlook Publishing delivers industry insights, company stories, and sector coverage across manufacturing, mining, construction, healthcare, supply chains, food production, and sustainability.
Manufacturing Outlook provides ongoing coverage of organisations and developments shaping the global manufacturing industry.
