Project advances company’s $3 billion U.S. manufacturing investment and creates new Kentucky jobs
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Jan. 29, 2026) — GE Appliances today announced the launch of its first-ever, in-house water filter manufacturing operation at Appliance Park in Louisville, marking a significant milestone in the company’s ongoing commitment to U.S. manufacturing. The new, highly automated production line is expected to create 30 new full-time jobs, with the potential for additional hiring as operations expand.
The project is part of GE Appliances’ previously announced $3 billion, five-year investment in American manufacturing and further strengthens Appliance Park’s role as the company’s global headquarters and advanced manufacturing hub.
Governor Andy Beshear joined company and local leaders to celebrate the announcement, highlighting the impact of the investment on Kentucky’s economy and workforce.
“GE Appliances is making a game-changing investment in American manufacturing while positioning Kentucky to lead in this next chapter of innovation,” said Gov. Beshear. “I’m proud that the GE Appliances team chose Louisville’s Appliance Park to launch the company’s first-ever water filter manufacturing operation. This $3 billion U.S. commitment is creating 800 new jobs for Kentuckians, and we are grateful for this iconic company’s continued confidence in our commonwealth.”
Strengthening Quality, Security and Supply Chain Resilience
The state-of-the-art water filter line brings production of high-demand refrigerator water filters to Appliance Park for the first time. By designing, testing and manufacturing filters under one roof, GE Appliances enhances product quality, strengthens supply chain resiliency and improves consumer protection against counterfeit products.
The operation features advanced automation capable of producing a filter in seconds and is supported by a skilled workforce that includes control technicians, maintenance specialists and quality professionals. The line will operate across three shifts and was designed using lean manufacturing principles, with a focus on ergonomics, energy efficiency, optimized material flow and reduced packaging waste.
“This investment is exactly what advanced manufacturing in America should look like,” said Bill Good, vice president of manufacturing for GE Appliances. “By combining cutting-edge automation, digital tools and highly skilled teams, we’re raising the bar for quality, efficiency and traceability while delivering on our $3 billion U.S. investment commitment.”
Meeting Growing Consumer Demand for Water Quality
Water quality remains a top concern for American consumers, with nearly two-thirds expressing concern about the safety of their drinking water.
“That’s why GE Appliances has invested millions of dollars in ice, water and filtration research and testing here in Kentucky,” said James Downey, senior director of water filtration for GE Appliances. “With this new multimillion-dollar manufacturing line, we now own the entire process—from R&D to production—giving consumers greater confidence they’re receiving genuine, certified filters from a brand they trust.”
A Continued Economic Engine for Kentucky
Headquartered in Louisville, GE Appliances employs 15,500 team members nationwide, supports nearly 98,000 additional U.S. jobs, and has invested more than $3.5 billion in its operations since 2016.
Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg said the announcement reinforces the city’s position as a center for advanced manufacturing.
“When companies like GE Appliances continue to invest and grow in Louisville, it speaks volumes about our workforce, logistics strengths and business environment,” Greenberg said. “This is another major win for Louisville and our manufacturing economy.”
The project adds to what has been the strongest six-year period of economic growth in Kentucky’s history. Since taking office, Gov. Beshear has announced more than 1,300 private-sector expansion and new-location projects, totaling over $45 billion in announced investment and creating more than 68,000 jobs statewide.
Kentucky has also earned multiple credit rating upgrades from Fitch Ratings, S&P Global Ratings and Moody’s Investors Service, and continues to receive national recognition for its economic development success.
For more information on GE Appliances, visit GEAppliancesCo.com.
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