Whirlpool to step up investment

US firm launching more products for middle-income consumers in China

Whirlpool Corp, the US-based white goods maker, is increasing its investment in China this year, with the planned amount exceeding the company's total investment in the country during the past five years, a top company official said on Wednesday.

Marc Bitzer, Whirlpool's global chief executive officer, said that the 108-year-old brand will launch a new washing machine, a new refrigerator and its Italian-made kitchen appliances collection in the country this year. The washing machine, which is under its Emperor product line, has been fully designed and produced in China.