The mayor of Newton’s pleased at this week’s visit by Whirlpool President David Swift. Local officials Maytag workers came to hear the head of the corporation that’s buying their employer, and attend a town hall meeting.
Newton Mayor Chaz Allen said the visit was a positive step, and went very well, calling it open and honest with frank discussion. The mayor says “It just marks another step in a process of developing our relationship with Whirlpool and its management team.”
Mayor Allen says the visit shows Whirlpool’s commitment in continuing discussions about the possibilities of keeping plants open. Allen says Whirlpool president David Swift, by meeting with local folks, has shown commitment to not only working with the city of Newton but also the state of Iowa. He points out there are other Maytag plants in Amana and North Liberty, saying “I look forward to future meeting and working with Whirlpool, to bring his plans to Newton and the state of Iowa.”
Mayor Allen says there are no scheduled meetings with Whirlpool officials at this time. Allen says he’s sure they’ll be in contact soon, but for now this week’s visit was “just kind of a meet-and-greet, and kinda seeing the people we’re dealing with.” Whirlpool President David Swift had praise for state and local officials devising incentives to keep plants open in Iowa.
In a speech while visiting the home of Maytag’s flagship factory yesterday (Tuesday), Whirlpool President David Swift praised “the people of Maytag” for their loyalty to the company, saying they have a lot to be proud of. People at Maytag have endured a lot of uncertainty and stress during the last year, Swift says. He says it’s behind us now, as there may be uncertainty about the future “But it’s under our control.”
Swift would not talk about what the future will hold for the Newton plant or its workforce, saying they’re going to look at the data and will start telling people in 30 to 60 days what will happen.
