GE Appliances, a Haier company, today announced the successful completion of a significant $180 million expansion at its Roper Corporation cooking products plant in LaFayette, Georgia. This latest investment, an increase of $60 million over previously announced figures, underscores GE Appliances’ commitment to bolstering U.S. manufacturing. Since 2016, the company has channeled over $3.5 billion into new technology and products across its U.S. operations, marking the largest investment by any appliance manufacturer in the nation.
The substantial capital injection has facilitated the acquisition of state-of-the-art equipment, dramatically increased production capacity, and accelerated the introduction of innovative new products. A key highlight of this expansion is the launch of the new GE Profile induction range, designed to make induction cooking more accessible and affordable for a wider consumer base.
The newly implemented high-volume production lines at the Roper plant are engineered for versatility, capable of manufacturing gas, electric, or induction ranges and adjusting dynamically to meet evolving customer demand. These advanced assembly lines integrate cutting-edge manufacturing technology, including robotic cells that perform intricate tasks such as assembling glass cooktops, programming control boards, and rotating units for streamlined final assembly. The adoption of robotics at Roper has more than tripled, significantly enhancing efficiency and improving employee ergonomics.
In a proactive move to support its expanding workforce, GE Appliances has also invested in robust workforce development programs, including specialized robotics training for employees. These programs are partially funded by a state grant and delivered in partnership with Georgia Northwestern Technical College, ensuring a skilled and adaptable local labor force. The combined impact of this investment has resulted in the creation of over 600 new jobs at the LaFayette plant, providing significant economic uplift to the region.
Lloyd Avram, president and CEO for the Georgia Association of Manufacturers, lauded GE Appliances' commitment, stating, "Investments by manufacturers such as GE Appliances at Roper Corporation are a major reason why Georgia boasts a gross regional product (GRP) of $678.2 billion, the 8th highest among U.S. states. Georgia’s manufacturing sector, employing 426,940 production workers, is responsible for $77 billion of that output.”
GE Appliances' economic footprint in Georgia extends beyond direct employment. In 2024 alone, the company spent an impressive $235 million with 359 Georgia suppliers. With 2,650 employees in the state, GE Appliances' operations, its workforce, and its extensive supplier network contribute an estimated $3 billion to Georgia’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and have played a role in the creation of an additional 7,500 jobs throughout the state.
