Industrial closures impact brewery and textile sectors in Uruguay and Argentina

Several industrial closures are impacting regional economies in Uruguay and Argentina. In Lavalleja, Uruguay, the brewery plant in Minas, operated by Ambev (a subsidiary of AB InBev), faces closure. Local leaders, including the president of the Lavalleja Commercial and Industrial Center and the local mayor, have expressed concern over the loss of jobs and the potential for population migration, though they have called for calm as negotiations continue.

In Argentina, the textile sector is facing significant distress. The company Will Der SA, which produced apparel for international brands like Adidas and Puma, has ceased operations at its plants in General Pacheco and Las Flores, resulting in 120 layoffs. Meanwhile, in Catamarca, the company Indumentaria Catamarca (ICSA) narrowly avoided closure following negotiations with Governor Raúl Jalil. The provincial government has committed to exploring support mechanisms, such as tax benefits or financial assistance, to mitigate high logistics costs and help the firm maintain approximately 30 jobs.

Other smaller-scale closures have been reported, including the Pardo retail chain closing its branch in San Francisco, Argentina, as part of a broader reorganization process.