The U-S Justice Department today cleared the way for appliance maker Whirpool to purchase Newton-based rival Maytag. The sale was questioned because it creates the largest appliance manufacturer in the world.
Newton Mayor Chaz Allen says it’s good to finally hear the decision. He says there were so many rumors, but now that they have a decision they have someone to work with to try and retain the jobs.
Allen says state and local officials have been working on incentives to keep the plant open in Newton. Allen says within the next 48 hours he expects to get some calls and “move into high gear to find out what Whirlpool needs.” The Justice Department’s antitrust division found the merger of the two companies wouldn’t hurt consumers because there are still rival manufacturers the company has to contend with.