GE Appliances (GEA), a Haier company, has officially opened its US$ 70 million state-of-the-art water heating manufacturing plant in Camden, South Carolina, USA. The site will serve as the company’s Center of Excellence for water heater manufacturing and was built for future expansion.
Since 2016, GE Appliances has invested US$ 2 billion in its U.S. manufacturing and distribution operations, adding more than 3,000 new employees and creating an additional 88,000 jobs in the nation’s economy.
Investments in U.S. manufacturing operations
The plant is vertically integrated and will produce units starting from coils of steel into high-quality water heaters for homes
“Investing in U.S. manufacturing is a winning strategy for GE Appliances, bringing us even closer to our customers and enabling us to serve them better,” said Kevin Nolan, the President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for GE Appliances, adding “We’re doubling down on innovation in high-tech products, cutting-edge, advanced manufacturing, and creating American jobs.”
The plant is vertically integrated and will produce units starting from coils of steel into high-quality water heaters for homes across the U.S. The new plant includes advanced systems for metal fabrication and welding, robotics for material handling and processing, and enameling of the steel.
water heating manufacturing plant in Camden
During the construction and in preparation for launch, more than 50 team leaders and maintenance employees completed more than 5,700 hours of training in robotics, welding and mechatronics at nearby Central Carolina Technical College (CCTC). The plant will initially employ 140 people.
South Carolina Governor, Henry McMaster, said “We are proud that Kershaw County is home to GE Appliances’ new Manufacturing Center of Excellence for water heaters. The fact that they chose South Carolina for this state-of-the-art facility is a testament to our state’s infrastructure and skilled workforce that allows companies to find success.”
GE Appliances’ commitment to South Carolina
Henry McMaster adds, “We thank GE Appliances for their commitment to South Carolina, and we look forward to continuing our long-standing business partnership for many more years to come.”
Julian Burns, Kershaw County Council Chairman, said “I congratulate the great leadership of GE Appliances in this achievement and thank our Governor and Secretary of Commerce for answering my request for help in making this possible. Kershaw County will do more than its part in providing the trained and ready workforce, and a great place for GE Appliances’ employees to live, work and raise their families.”
Advanced water heater technology
Sold under the GE brand, the RealMAX gas water heaters offer key performance and convenience features such as:
- The only water heater offering that holds a true 30, 40, or 50 gallons of water.
- Best-in-class performance delivering 82 gallons of hot water in the first hour.
- A durable design with up to a 12-year warranty.
“With every water heater model we carry, we’re committed to delivering maximum performance for the professional channel and distributors,” said Tom Zimmer, the Executive Director - Water Heating for GE Appliances Air & Water Solutions, adding “South Carolina local manufacturing coupled with GE Appliances’ broad distribution system assures product delivery within days, offering quick access, when our customers need it the most.”
Air & Water Solutions
In 2020, GE Appliances announced the launch of Air & Water Solutions
In 2020, GE Appliances announced the launch of Air & Water Solutions, a channel dedicated to serving the unique needs of professional contractors and wholesale distributors, in the plumbing, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning industry.
Air & Water Solutions combines GEA’s innovative portfolio of products with a dedicated team of sales professionals, training centers, and support resources for professional contractors.
Focus on professional contractors
Jim Skaggs, the Vice President of Sales for GE Appliances Air & Water Solutions, said “Our entrance into the plumbing and HVAC channel is focused on professional contractors who are on the front lines and never stop creating solutions for their customers.”
Jim Skaggs adds, “We are committed to matching their passion with a broad product portfolio, winning innovation, an iconic brand, and on-demand technical support. Our pros never stop, so neither will we, and that includes our Camden manufacturing team!”