Whirlpool Wins Award for Manual Washing Machine Project Supporting Global Communities
At the 2025 Manufacturing Leadership Awards, Whirlpool Corporation received the prestigious award for Collaborative Ecosystems in acknowledgment of its innovative production line developed in partnership with The Washing Machine Project. This initiative, backed by the Whirlpool Foundation, focuses on producing manual washing machines through a uniquely collaborative manufacturing approach.
The success of this partnership stems from Whirlpool’s team of engineers who created the assembly line used to build the manual machines. The effort is further supported by key suppliers who contribute essential materials, and by Whirlpool’s Sustainability and Advanced Development teams who play a critical role in testing and refining the process.
These machines are hand-assembled by Whirlpool employee volunteers at the company’s facility in Benton Harbor, Michigan, and then delivered to under-resourced communities around the world. The assembly line was specifically designed to allow employees—with little to no prior experience—to safely and efficiently build the machines by hand. So far, over 340 Whirlpool volunteers have invested nearly 4,000 hours to produce 645 manual washing machines, which have been distributed to countries such as India, Mexico, Ghana, and the Republic of Congo.
“We’re incredibly proud to be acknowledged for our collaboration with The Washing Machine Project, with support from the Whirlpool Foundation,” said Greg Bauman, Engineering Manager at Whirlpool Corporation. “This initiative gives our employees a hands-on role in the assembly process, helping them gain a deeper appreciation for the difference they’re making in the lives of others.”
Globally, about 60% of the population still washes clothes manually due to insufficient access to electricity and clean water—a burden that falls disproportionately on women and girls. This project not only helps alleviate that challenge but also educates Whirlpool’s workforce about the global disparities in access to basic appliances. Through “Washout” events—where volunteers wash clothes by hand—employees gain firsthand insight into the daily struggles many people face.
“We deeply appreciate the dedication of Whirlpool Corporation and the engineers who brought this manufacturing solution to life,” said Rosa Skinner, Senior Manager of Global CSR and Community Relations at Whirlpool. “The Washing Machine Project is driven by a mission to ease the burden of hand-washing clothes. Thanks to the support of the Whirlpool Foundation and our dedicated volunteers, we’re able to deliver machines that can transform lives.”
In addition to winning the Collaborative Ecosystems category, Whirlpool was also named a finalist in two other areas of the Manufacturing Leadership Awards, which highlighted initiatives in digital transformation and front-line leadership.
These awards are organized by the Manufacturing Leadership Council, the world’s first member-led network committed to guiding industry leaders through the opportunities presented by digital transformation in manufacturing. Since 2005, the Manufacturing Leadership Awards have celebrated over a thousand pioneering projects and distinguished individuals who are helping shape the future of global manufacturing.
Click here to know more.
The success of this partnership stems from Whirlpool’s team of engineers who created the assembly line used to build the manual machines. The effort is further supported by key suppliers who contribute essential materials, and by Whirlpool’s Sustainability and Advanced Development teams who play a critical role in testing and refining the process.
These machines are hand-assembled by Whirlpool employee volunteers at the company’s facility in Benton Harbor, Michigan, and then delivered to under-resourced communities around the world. The assembly line was specifically designed to allow employees—with little to no prior experience—to safely and efficiently build the machines by hand. So far, over 340 Whirlpool volunteers have invested nearly 4,000 hours to produce 645 manual washing machines, which have been distributed to countries such as India, Mexico, Ghana, and the Republic of Congo.
“We’re incredibly proud to be acknowledged for our collaboration with The Washing Machine Project, with support from the Whirlpool Foundation,” said Greg Bauman, Engineering Manager at Whirlpool Corporation. “This initiative gives our employees a hands-on role in the assembly process, helping them gain a deeper appreciation for the difference they’re making in the lives of others.”
Globally, about 60% of the population still washes clothes manually due to insufficient access to electricity and clean water—a burden that falls disproportionately on women and girls. This project not only helps alleviate that challenge but also educates Whirlpool’s workforce about the global disparities in access to basic appliances. Through “Washout” events—where volunteers wash clothes by hand—employees gain firsthand insight into the daily struggles many people face.
“We deeply appreciate the dedication of Whirlpool Corporation and the engineers who brought this manufacturing solution to life,” said Rosa Skinner, Senior Manager of Global CSR and Community Relations at Whirlpool. “The Washing Machine Project is driven by a mission to ease the burden of hand-washing clothes. Thanks to the support of the Whirlpool Foundation and our dedicated volunteers, we’re able to deliver machines that can transform lives.”
In addition to winning the Collaborative Ecosystems category, Whirlpool was also named a finalist in two other areas of the Manufacturing Leadership Awards, which highlighted initiatives in digital transformation and front-line leadership.
These awards are organized by the Manufacturing Leadership Council, the world’s first member-led network committed to guiding industry leaders through the opportunities presented by digital transformation in manufacturing. Since 2005, the Manufacturing Leadership Awards have celebrated over a thousand pioneering projects and distinguished individuals who are helping shape the future of global manufacturing.
Click here to know more.
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