Whirlpool Corp. has notified state officials that it will continue to operate its refrigeration product development center in Evansville that employs nearly 300 people. 

The future of the facility had been uncertain after the Benton Harbor, Mich.-based appliance maker announced that it would cut 1,100 jobs by closing a refrigerator factory, also in Evansville. The jobs will be eliminated in mid-2010.

Whirlpool plans to move the main Evansville production work to Mexico and another yet-to-be-decided location.

The Indiana Economic Development Corp. offered Whirlpool $50,000 in training grants and will allow the company to retain $1.1 million in previously awarded tax credits if it maintains its development center in Evansville through 2013.