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Whirlpool to build new HQ in hometown of Benton Harbor

By Rick Pluta, Michigan Public Radio Network

http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wkar/local-wkar-913861.mp3

LANSING, MI –

Whirlpool Corporation will build its new world headquarters in downtown Benton Harbor - with support from a state tax break worth more than $19 million.

AUDIO:
Whirlpool officials attended a meeting of the Michigan Economic Growth Authority, which approved the tax break. Whirlpool vice president Jeff Noel says the tax break was necessary to offset some disadvantages in the region, such as no nearby major airport, and few jobs for spouses and partners of Whirlpool employees.

But Noel says Whirlpool leaders were anxious to remain in the company's hometown, and build the new headquarters that will eventually house a thousand employees.

"Which we think will help drive downtown business development activities in the city of Benton Harbor, a city that obviously really needs an economic stimulus.

The Benton Harbor area has a jobless rate of almost 13% - although the rate has gone down every month this year. Whirlpool was also scouting locations in Illinois and Georgia for its new headquarters.

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