Exhibit 1
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                                                                    Jeff Francis
                                                                  (616) 923-5582
                                           jeffrey_a_francis@email.whirlpool.com


                  WHIRLPOOL EXPLORING STRATEGIC ALTERNATIVES
                  INVOLVING ITS FINANCIAL SERVICES SUBSIDIARY

BENTON HARBOR, Mich. -- July 31, 1997 -- Whirlpool Corporation (NYSE:WHR) said 
today that it is exploring a full array of strategic business options involving 
Whirlpool Financial Corporation (WFC), its wholly owned financial services 
subsidiary.  The analysis includes possible alliances, partnerships and other 
alternatives.

     Whirlpool said this analysis is part of the company's ongoing assessment of
how its worldwide businesses can best create value.  Whirlpool expects to 
continue a relationship with WFC regardless of the study's outcome.

     Whirlpool Financial Corporation, with assets of more than $2.1 billion, 
provides inventory and consumer financing to the appliance, consumer 
electronics, lawn and garden, home heating and air conditioning and music 
industries.  It has principle offices in North America, Europe and Asia and 
employs approximately 900 people worldwide.

     Whirlpool Corporation is the world's leading manufacturer and marketer of 
major home appliances.  Headquartered in Benton Harbor, the company manufactures
in 13 countries and markets products under 11 major brand names in about 140 
countries.

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