Whirlpool Corporation (NYSE:WHR) announced today that it will recognize the company's leading U.S. suppliers during its Supplier Performance Awards Banquet on May 28 at Lake Michigan College's Mendel Center in Benton Harbor.

Whirlpool Corporation's Global Procurement department works with suppliers around the world to obtain high-quality, cost-effective materials, components and products for use in the manufacture of Whirlpool's home appliances.

Jeff Fettig
Whirlpool president and chief operating officer
"Our final brand and product offerings to our global customers are strongly impacted by the capabilities of our supply base. Part of Whirlpool's success is based on the development, selection and partnership with global suppliers in ways that help us deliver the best value to our customers. The awards recognize the important role our suppliers have played in our success."

Out of Whirlpool Corporation's 645 U.S. suppliers, the company's procurement department rated 30 companies the best. The suppliers were judged on their quality, productivity and material management. A total of 35 awards will be handed out.

"The suppliers that we are honoring this year are the cream of a very rich crop of partners that Whirlpool Corporation has partnered with over the years to become the world's leading home appliance manufacturer," said Steven Rush, Whirlpool Corporation's general manger of supply-base management. "They consistently meet our requirements in terms of quality, productivity, engineering, design and availability."

Those companies being honored with distinction are:

Other honorees are: