ANDERSON COUNTY, S.C., April 26, 2026 — Electrolux Group plans to phase out refrigerator production at its Anderson County plant by July, temporarily laying off about 1,200 workers as it converts the facility to produce laundry appliances under a new joint venture with Midea Group.
The Sweden-based appliance maker said the plant is expected to restart production in the first half of 2027, shifting from food preservation products to fabric care appliances, including washers and dryers.
The transition marks a major manufacturing reset for Electrolux in North America, with near-term job losses tied to a broader shift in appliance production strategy.
Workers Face Temporary Layoffs
Local officials said employees who remain through the July phaseout will receive severance packages. About 100 employees are expected to remain during the retooling period.
Electrolux has said laid-off employees will be invited to return when the converted plant begins operations. The company expects to hire up to 1,200 employees through 2028 at the repurposed Anderson facility.
- Refrigerator production is expected to end by July 2026.
- The Anderson plant is slated to reopen in the first half of 2027.
- The converted facility will focus on laundry appliances.
- Electrolux will hold 55% of the Anderson joint venture, while Midea will hold 45%.
Midea Partnership Reshapes North American Footprint
The Anderson conversion is part of a broader Electrolux-Midea agreement covering North American manufacturing and sales. The companies also plan to begin refrigerator production at a plant in Juarez, Mexico, in the third quarter of 2026.
Electrolux has been working to stabilize its North American business amid weaker demand and higher costs.
Supply Chain Impact
For appliance retailers, distributors and suppliers, the shift could affect refrigerator availability, laundry product sourcing and supplier contracts tied to the Anderson operation. The move also signals a deeper manufacturing partnership between a European appliance brand and one of China’s largest appliance producers.
The Anderson plant has been a major appliance manufacturing employer in South Carolina for decades. Local officials said the shutdown, even if temporary, will create financial strain for workers and families during the transition period.
