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Indiana Whirlpool Plant Makes Final Refrigerators

Whirlpool plant in Evansville that has been the site of protests over its closure is producing its final refrigerators, and 600 employees will soon be out of work.

EVANSVILLE, Ind. (AP) -- The Whirlpool Corp. plant in Evansville that has been the site of protests over its closure is producing its final refrigerators.

The plant's production line is shutting down Friday, meaning the loss of some 600 jobs. About 450 other workers were laid off in March when Whirlpool ended its second production shift.

Company human resources director Tom Webster says a contractor will then begin removing equipment and furniture from the plant. He says the plant's future hasn't been decided.

The company announced last year that it would shut down the factory and move production to Mexico.

Some 1,500 people joined the AFL-CIO national president for an Evansville march in February protesting the decision by Benton Harbor, Mich.-based Whirlpool.

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