How the Whirlpool Brand Got Its Start in Upstate New York

Did you know that the Whirlpool Corporation, a leading manufacturer of home appliances, has a rich history dating back to its early beginnings in Binghamton, New York?

Thomas Burr Crary was an enterprising man involved in various business ventures before stepping into the washing machine industry. In 1898, Crary and a group of partners established the 1900 Washer Co., to tap into the growing demand for modern housekeeping appliances.

The company's main product, the Cataract washing machine, quickly gained popularity and revolutionized housekeeping practices. The Cataract became a best-selling machine and a symbol of efficiency in households across America.

In 1929, Upton Machine Company merged with the 1900 Washer Company of Binghamton, leading to the creation of The Nineteen Hundred Corporation with large manufacturing facilities in both Michigan and Binghamton. This merger played a huge role in the company's growth and success, as it provided access to expanded resources and expertise that propelled the business forward.

The Binghamton plant became a vital part of operations, contributing to the corporation's reputation for quality and innovation. After a decade, in 1939, the Binghamton plant ceased operations, and manufacturing was relocated to various sites, including Tennessee.

The washing machine developed in Binghamton would go on to become synonymous with modern American households as the machine and company morphed into the company it is today. The name of the company symbolized the cleansing power of swirling water and became an integral part of everyday life for many. It was called Whirlpool.

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Today, the Whirlpool Corporation stands as a global leader in the home appliance industry, with a commitment to innovation and quality. And to think, the company has Binghamton to thank for a large part of what it is today.