NEWS RELEASE

 
                                            Contact             Robin R. Skiles
                                                                   616-923-2456



                  SENIOR MANAGEMENT CHANGES IN WHIRLPOOL ASIA
     COMPANY NAMES NEW LEADERS FOR WHIRLPOOL ASIA AND GREATER CHINA REGION



  BENTON HARBOR, Mich. -- March 20, 1996 -- Whirlpool Corporation (NYSE:WHR)
announced today several senior management changes in its Asian operations after
Bob Frey, executive vice president and chairman and CEO of Whirlpool Asia
(WAAG), informed the company that he was resigning, effective April 15.

  In response to Frey's decision, David R. Whitwam, chairman and CEO, said that
Bob Hall, currently president and COO of WAAG, will become executive vice
president of Whirlpool Corporation and president of Whirlpool Asia, reporting to
Bill D. Marohn, president and COO. In addition, Roy Armes, vice president,
manufacturing and technology, WAAG, has been named president of the Greater
China operating region, based in Hong Kong. Armes will report to Hall.

  "With the signing of our five joint ventures in India and China last year, we
have essentially completed the 'start-up' phase of our Asian strategy, which was
Bob Frey's original assignment," Marohn said. "No other appliance company from
outside the region has built such a significant presence so quickly as we have,
thanks largely to Bob's foresight, perseverance and leadership.

  "At the same time, Bob Hall brings more than 25 years of operational and
manufacturing experience and that will be crucial in the 'building' phase of our
Asian strategy. Roy also brings significant Whirlpool operational and leadership
experience to his new position in China. Both Bob and Roy will be instrumental
in our drive to achieve world-class manufacturing capabilities and to accomplish
our aggressive sales and business plans."

  Hall joined Whirlpool in 1970 as an industrial engineer and has served the
company in various engineering and management positions, including vice
president of refrigeration manufacturing and technology, Whirlpool Appliance
Group, and corporate vice president of global procurement operations. He holds a
bachelor's degree in industrial engineering from Purdue University and an M.B.A.
from Michigan State University.


                                    -more-



[LOGO]                 Administrative Center, Benton Harbor, Michigan 49022



 
AD'L SENIOR MANAGEMENT CHANGES IN WHIRLPOOL ASIA

  Armes joined Whirlpool in 1975 as an industrial engineering trainee,
subsequently serving the company in various engineering and management
positions, including vice president of the Clyde (Ohio) division and vice
president of refrigeration manufacturing and technology, Whirlpool Europe. He
holds a bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering from the University
of Toledo.

  Whirlpool Corporation is the world's leading manufacturer and marketer of
major home appliances. Headquartered in Benton Harbor, the company manufactures
in 12 countries and markets products under 11 major brand names in approximately
140 countries.

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