Kohler Closes Only Brazilian Factory, Affecting More Than 400 Jobs
Kohler has closed its only manufacturing facility in Brazil, ending production at its plant in Andradas, Minas Gerais, and affecting more than 400 direct employees. The facility was officially closed on 31 August 2026, according to Valor Econômico. The plant manufactured a range of sanitaryware products, including ceramic basins and lavatory pans, as well as bathroom and kitchen fittings.
According to Allan di Bartolomeo, Kohler’s legal director for Latin America, the closure was influenced by the impact of tariffs and nearshoring trends on the company’s business. The decision forms part of a broader strategic shift in Kohler’s operations in Brazil, with the company increasingly focusing on the luxury segment rather than maintaining its previous manufacturing footprint.
As part of this strategy, Kohler is also ending its Fiori sanitaryware brand in the Brazilian market. The move will reduce the company’s local manufacturing and brand presence in the sanitaryware segment.
The future of the Andradas industrial site remains undecided. Kohler is evaluating various options, including the potential sale of the industrial park to a competitor. Located in southern Minas Gerais near the São Paulo state border, Andradas had served as Kohler’s manufacturing base in Brazil.
Overall, the factory closure represents a significant restructuring of Kohler’s Brazilian operations, reflecting the company’s shift towards higher-value luxury products and a reassessment of its local manufacturing strategy amid changing trade and production dynamics.
Source: The Rio Times
