Whirlpool is planning to purchase a Massachusetts laundry equipment firm. The Benton Harbor-based company has entered into a purchase agreement to buy American Dryer Corporation. ADC is a privately-held company, and the firm markets coin-operated, on-premise, industrial and specialty laundry equipment. Whirlpool officials say the acquisition gives the world’s largest home appliance maker access to new markets. CEO and chairman Jeff Fettig said in a statement that the purchase strengthens Whirlpool’s commitment to the commercial laundry industry. The sale is expected to close in early July. It does not appear that Whirlpool plans to shutter ADC’s 300,000 square foot manufacturing facility in Fall River, Massachusetts. Whirlpool says that plant “will become a valuable part of the Whirlpool manufacturing portfolio.” Terms of the deal are not being released.
