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GE Appliances is investing $28 million in new manufacturing technology and an onsite medical clinic at its Decatur, Alabama, plant (Fox 54). The investment is part of its $3 billion plan to expand U.S. operations over the next five years.

The technology: “A major portion of the funding went toward new automated thermoforming machines that produce interior liners for refrigerator fresh food and freezer sections. The upgrades are designed to improve efficiency and increase production capacity across multiple models, supporting the plant’s three-shift operation.”

• The plants’ lighting and air conditioning will also be upgraded to improve the workplace environment.

The clinic: The investment also includes the installation of a new, onsite primary care clinic at the plant, serving employees and family members over the age of 2.

• “The clinic is the company’s fourth onsite advanced primary care facility, managed by CareATC and offered at no cost to employees on the company health plan.”
• “The Decatur clinic joins similar facilities at GE Appliances plants in Louisville, Kentucky; Selmer, Tennessee; and LaFayette, Georgia.”

The results: GE Appliances says that its current clinics have achieved a 21.5% increase in primary care visits and a 28% rise in overall visits over the past two years, along with a 12.3% reduction in avoidable ER visits for employees who use the clinic.

• Under its “On the Clock Care” program, company employees can go to their annual physicals and a follow-up appointment on company time. The program also covers mental health services and care of some chronic conditions like diabetes.

The last word: “Investing in advanced manufacturing and employee health is a winning combination that strengthens our business,” said GE Appliances Chief Human Resources Officer Rocki Rockingham. “How we show up matters. At GE Appliances, we are creating appliances our consumers love in an environment where our employees can do their best work and build lasting careers.”

Catch up: Check out our previous articles on GE Appliances’ $3 billion investment plan and the opening of the onsite clinic at its Selmer, Tennessee, plant.