LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A $490 million investment from GE Appliances promises 800 new jobs for production of combination washer-dryer machines, and front-loaded washers in Louisville, Kentucky. Currently, they’re made in China. 

“This decision is our most recent product reshoring,” said CEO Kevin Nolan. “And aligns with the current economic and policy environment.” 

At Chenoweth Appliances in Jeffersontown, owner Wayne Lyons displays GE proudly. The brand makes up around 80% of the store’s sales. 

“Sent me to high school, college,” he said, referencing his father’s old job at GE, which he left to start the store 50 years ago.

“We really push GE simply because we think it’s a good product,” Lyons said. “And they’re here in Louisville, so it keeps the economy going.” 

“This new factory will be the flagship factory for GE Appliances,” said Lee Lagomarcino, the business vice president over laundry at Appliance Park. 

More than just assembly, the flagship at GE’s global headquarters builds building opportunities too. 

“Major stamping and injection molding operations that’ll happen right in our manufacturing facility,” Senior Product Director Chris Naber said. “Creating the parts that will go into our finished products.” 

 It brings an opportunity for hundreds of new members at the IUE Local 761 union, President Dino Driskell said.

“Anytime you can bring in a new product, it helps for the longevity of the park, strengthening our membership,” he said. “Downside is, company leveraged those 800 jobs to get rid of 16 maintenance jobs that cover the line.”

Maintenance jobs, just like his.

“I’m gonna think it’s a personal shot at the sitting president of the union,” he claimed. 

However, he’s happy about the return of American jobs. Even happier at the return of Kentucky jobs. Driskell said tariff policies slowed GE sales.

“But that’s why it’s important to bring more product in, to keep our members working,” he said.

Nolan sees himself as a leader.

“Right now, many companies are struggling to make big decisions like this,” he said. “What we’re announcing today, it’s a bold one. It will shape our future, the future in the state, and the future in our city.” 

A future, made and sold, all in one city.

For the city’s part, it offered $4 million in cash incentives.

Production’s projected to start in 2027.