Maytag, Whirlpool open testing facility

BENTON HARBOR, Mich. (July 28, 2008) -Maytag(R) and Whirlpool(R) Commercial Laundry are pleased to announce the opening of their new 28,000 square-foot facility in St. Joseph, Mich., featuring a state-of-the-art commercial laundry testing lab.

"Concise and accurate testing is an important step in ensuring the performance and reliability of products," said Craig Kirchner, director of global commercial laundry at Whirlpool Corporation. "With this new, interactive lab, we can provide in-depth development, as well as reliability testing, for both single- and multi-load commercial laundry equipment."

Featuring 35 test stations, the new 3,250 square-foot lab is capable of testing both single- and multi-load products to the power requirements of most countries around the world. Twenty of the test stations are automatic, computer-monitored life test stations, and the other 15 are manual and developmental test stations.

The regimen of tests at the lab for new commercial laundry equipment will include life testing, energy testing, development testing, early warning analysis and some aspects of product approval. The lab facility can easily accommodate large, multi-load equipment, with its high bay ceilings and 1,200-pound capacity floor scale for multi-load energy testing. Adding to its versatility, the lab has the ability to test both gas and electric dryers and has domestic hot and cold water supplies, with soft water capability.

Having the lab and all other Maytag and Whirlpool Commercial Laundry department offices now under one roof is a significant advantage, Kirchner added.

"Our new Commercial Laundry facility puts the lab under the same roof as our Engineering, Sales, Marketing and Service Departments, resulting in better communication and faster decisions," he said.

About Whirlpool(R) and Maytag(R) Commercial Laundry
Maytag and Whirlpool brands offer commercial washers and dryers through a nationwide network of commercial laundry distributors. As part of Whirlpool Corporation, both brands focus on producing innovative and dependable products for the commercial laundry market.

Maytag(R) Commercial Laundry
Maytag Commercial Laundry provides a full array of commercial washers and dryers to the coin, multiple-housing and on-premises markets. Leading the way in commercial laundry energy efficiency, the brand's Energy Advantage line offers a complete suite of sizes and models of washers and dryers for each market.

Known for its rich and long-standing heritage, Maytag brand celebrated 100 years in the laundry business in October 2007. Another milestone is currently taking place, as 2008 marks the brand's unprecedented 50-year anniversary of its entry in the commercial laundry business.

Whirlpool(R) Commercial Laundry
The Whirlpool Commercial Laundry line-up of washers and dryers for coin, multi-housing and on-premises markets offer exceptional capacity, cleaning and drying performance. Each model has combined fabric care options and conveniences that enhance each user's needs.

For more information on Maytag and Whirlpool Commercial Laundry, call 800-662-3587, or visit maytagcommerciallaundry.com for Maytag Commercial Laundry or coinop.com for Whirlpool Commercial Laundry.