Majap Briefs

Benton Harbor, Mich. — Whirlpool said it expects to spend upwards of $11 million to expand refrigeration operations at its Amana, Iowa facilities. The investment will support product innovation and increased manufacturing capacity for bottom-mount refrigeration, and is expected to create up to 400 new jobs there over the next 24 months, Whirlpool said. The company, which acquired Amana through its recent buyout of Maytag, expects to employ about 2,900 workers at the facility by the end of 2008.

Augusta, Ga. — In an effort to improve customer service, Electrolux is teaming up with Servigistics, an Atlanta-based strategic service management solution provider. The goal, said Electrolux, is to optimize Servigistics' more than $30 million worth of service parts inventory in the U.S., while improving customer service and first-time fill rates. “Electrolux is committed to delivering quality and reliable service to our industry-leading clients and we wanted a proven solution that would streamline our service operations, maximize performance, and help us raise the bar on service,” said Dave Rinker, general manager of the Electrolux Consumer Services Group.