BENTON HARBOR, Mich. (NEWSCHANNEL 3) - Whirlpool, the Benton Harbor based appliance maker says profits fell by 27% in the last quarter.

Whirlpool reported earning $117 million for the second quarter of 2008.

That's about $45 million less than 2007.

Whirlpool executives blame higher raw material and oil-related costs, as well as a shrinking U.S. demand.