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Whirlpool Named Among America’s Most Innovative Companies by Fortune

Whirlpool Named Among America’s Most Innovative Companies by Fortune

The US-based appliances maker, Whirlpool, has been included among the country’s 300 most innovative companies, along with the likes of Microsoft and Apple, firms perhaps more well-known for their ground-breaking tech. The companies on the list were chosen based on three qualifying categories: product innovation, process innovation, and innovation culture.

“A spirit of innovation is embedded in our culture and we are proud to be named one of Fortune‘s most innovative companies,” said Marc Bitzer, Chairman and CEO of Whirlpool Corp. “With a diverse and growing product portfolio across several trusted US brands, this recognition is a testament to our employees who work tirelessly to create innovative solutions that improve life at home for consumers.”

An innovator for more than 100 years

Founded in 1911, the manufacturer of washers and dryers, refrigerators, air conditioning equipment, cooking appliances and dishwashers has been innovating and bringing new tech to consumers for over 100 years. “From the first electric wringer washer in 1911 to our current line-up of leading-edge home appliances, we are obsessed with developing technology that is purposeful in saving time or eliminating work for consumers,” said Roberto Campos, Senior Vice President of Whirlpool Corp’s Global Product Organisation.

To develop its innovative appliances, Whirlpool looks to its team of engineers and designers. “The best and the brightest engineers and designers, collaborating globally on shared appliance architectures, have been able to unleash innovation in its truest sense and help shape the modern home,” Campos added.

Among the innovations the firm has introduced in recent years are a washing machine able to filter pet hair; a 2 in 1 washer with a removable agitator; a large dishwasher with three-rack capacity, and the air fry functionality it brought to some of its smart ovens operated via an over-the-air update. Continuing on its quest for new cutting-edge functionalities in its appliances range, the company plans to bring Matter support to its smart models.

Responsibility and respect

Beyond its search for novel products with innovative functionalities, Whirlpool continues to look for innovative solutions to accelerate its environmental, social, and governance agenda. A recent example is the firm’s announcement that 29 of its large manufacturing sites around the world have reached Zero Waste to Landfill Gold or Platinum status.

Moreover, the company was recognised by the business magazine earlier this year as one of the World’s Most Admired Companies for the thirteenth consecutive year. The listing comprises the most respected and reputable companies around the world, as ranked by peers within their respective industries.

A roster of innovators

Fortune’s list of America’s Most Innovative Companies honours the 300 companies it considers to be transforming their industries from the inside out. To compile the list, the magazine partnered with market research and data specialist Statista using three main categories to qualify innovation: products, processes and culture.

The product innovation category evaluates each company’s products and services through an analysis of its product portfolio and a survey of experts. The process innovation category reviews the company’s processes, including sourcing, production, marketing, sales, and support, through a survey of employees and experts. The innovation culture category measures how a company fosters a spirit of entrepreneurship and creativity internally and allows teams to implement new ideas through surveys with employees and experts.

Number one in the ranking of innovative US companies was Alphabet, the holding firm of Google, followed by Salesforce, Microsoft, Oracle, IBM, Apple, Dell Technologies, Munchkin, Verizon Communications and Capital One Financial.