Multiyear contract should help Michigan companies weather uncertain economyPulteBy Louis Aguilar The Detroit News Two well-known Michigan brands have teamed up in the housing market, creating a partnership that could help each other weather economic uncertainty. PulteGroup Inc., the nation's largest home builder by revenue, and Whirlpool Corp. have signed a multiyear contract for the Benton Harbor-based appliance maker to be the exclusive supplier to houses built by the Bloomfield Hills-based home construction firm, which operates in 29 states and the District of Columbia. While financial terms of the agreement weren't made available, the contract should help both companies, said Theodore Bolema, a principal at Anderson Economic Group, a consulting firm in East Lansing. 'It reduces uncertainty for both of them at a time when both industries face challenges,' Bolema said. New-home builders such as Pulte have been guardedly optimistic about growth in new-home construction, but worry that the country's slowing economy could reduce sales. In August, PulteGroup posted its first quarterly profit -- $76.3 million -- since 2006. Home appliance makers such as Whirlpool depend on the home building industry for a large share of their sales. Teaming up assures Pulte of a big-name supplier with a broad array of brands that include Amana, Whirlpool, Whirlpool Gold, KitchenAid and Jenn-Air. Pulte also decided Whirlpool would best meet the needs of homeowners looking to upgrade their newly built homes. Whirlpool gets a steady supply of business. The companies will combine on a marketing campaign that most likely will be launched in January, highlighting the two brands, said Deborah Meyer, chief marketing officer for Bloomfield Hills-based Pulte Group. The agreement takes effect in October. 'In addition to this being a partnership between two Michigan-based companies with proud histories, Whirlpool offers products that align perfectly with PulteGroup's unique multibrand strategy,' Meyer said. Previously, Whirlpool supplied appliances for two of Pulte's three housing units -- Del Webb and Centex -- while General Electric was the supplier for Pulte Homes. Centex is for entry-level buyers, Pulte Homes for move-up buyers and Del Webb for senior but active adults. PulteGroup last year acquired rival Centex Corp. The partnership won't necessarily reduce appliance choices for new home buyers. They can reject Whirlpool appliances if they choose, Meyer said. Pulte plans to emphasize to consumers that the alliance gives them a well-styled and reliably built house outfitted with items such as ovens and refrigerators from by the world's most well-known appliance maker. 'We are honored to work with a world-class corporation and industry leader,' said Tom Halford, Whirlpool general manager of contract sales and marketing. PulteAbout partners Whirlpool Corp.: World's leading manufacturer and marketer of major home appliances. Annual sales of about $17 billion in 2009. The company markets brands such as Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid, Jenn-Air, Amana, Brastemp, Consul and Bauknecht. PulteGroup Inc.: One of country's largest home builders, it operates in 29 states and D.C. Its brands include Pulte Homes, Centex Homes and Del Webb. Revenue in 2009 of $1.3 billion. In 2009, PulteGroup brands received most top rankings in the J.D. Power and Associates New Home Builder Customer Satisfaction Study.PulteGroup, Whirlpool form alliance 