The Lonely Repairman: What Really Happened to Maytag

The Lonely Repairman: What Really Happened to Maytag Subscribe: @buildtoremember For decades, Maytag built washing machines so dependable that its famous repairman had almost nothing to do. But if Maytag made some of America's most trusted appliances, what went wrong? In this Built to Remember documentary, we uncover the remarkable rise and fall of Maytag — from a small farm equipment company in Newton, Iowa, to one of the most respected appliance brands in American history. Discover how Maytag became famous for washing machines built to last, why the Lonely Maytag Repairman became an American advertising icon, and how a series of business decisions changed the company forever. We explore Maytag's expansion into other appliance brands, its costly Hoover acquisition, the pressures of competing against larger manufacturers, and the 2006 takeover by Whirlpool. Then we return to Newton, Iowa, where generations of families worked at the Maytag factory — until the final washing machine rolled off the assembly line in October 2007. Did Maytag build its washing machines too well? The real answer is more complicated than you might think. Maytag appliances are still sold today. But the independent American company that built its reputation on dependability is gone. Did your family own a Maytag washing machine? How long did it last? Share your memories in the comments. Subscribe to Built to Remember for more documentaries about iconic American brands, forgotten factories, legendary products, and the companies that shaped generations. The products you remember. The stories you never knew. #Maytag #AmericanHistory #BusinessHistory