Overview
- The closure cuts 220 jobs, according to Whirlpool, though some outlets reported higher counts.
- Operations will pivot to importing, sales, distribution and service, with 100–120 employees retained in offices and logistics.
- Whirlpool and the metalworkers’ union UOM opened talks on severance that the company says will include legal indemnity plus an extra payment.
- Employees said the decision was communicated without prior notice and many remained at the site seeking clear answers.
- The Pilar facility opened in October 2022 after a roughly US$50–52 million investment, was designed for 300,000 units a year with a 70% export target, and struggled as low-priced imports gained ground and domestic demand fell.