Whirlpool to sell Pilar plant and shift to import model in Argentina

Whirlpool has announced the sale of its 30,453-square-meter industrial complex in Pilar, Argentina, marking a complete shift in its local business strategy. The company has transitioned from a manufacturer to a 100% importer, meaning all appliances, accessories, and spare parts will now be sourced from international plants, primarily from Brazil.

This decision follows the closure of the washing machine factory in November 2025. The move stands in stark contrast to the company’s 2022 expansion, which involved a $52 million investment to establish one of its most modern facilities globally. That plant was designed with an annual capacity of 300,000 units, intended to serve as a regional hub with 70% of production earmarked for export, mainly to Brazil.

The strategic pivot occurs amid a changing economic landscape in Argentina under the administration of President Javier Milei, characterized by declining domestic consumption and shifts in the industrial sector.