1,200 employees to lose their jobs at Anderson SC plant. Here’s what’s planned
About 1,200 employees at the Electrolux plant in Anderson will be laid off as the company switches from making refrigeration units to laundry products.
The layoffs will come in phases until July. Affected workers will receive a severance and be able to apply for new jobs once the plant reopens in early 2027.
“While the shutdown is temporary, we recognize the impact this decision will have on our valued employees,” the company said. “We are working closely with state and local agencies to support our employees and, where feasible, assist with placement in alternative roles within the Anderson community.”
Electrolux expects employment to be on par with the current number gradually during 2027 and 2028.
The layoff comes as Electrolux Group, a Swedish company, and Midea Group, a Chinese company, have formed a partnership in North American food preservation (refrigeration) manufacturing and sales, and fabric care (laundry) manufacturing.
Electrolux Group will own 55% of the operation, while Midea Group will hold 45%.
“The partnership builds on the companies’ more than 20-year sourcing-supplier relationship and combines Electrolux Group’s strong market presence, established infrastructure and deep consumer insights with Midea Group’s core competence in operations and innovation, continuous investment in efficient manufacturing and supply chain and industrial flexibility,” Electrolux said in a news release.
Food preservation manufacturing will be done in Juarez, Mexico, beginning in the fall, the company said.
Electrolux Group’s Fabric Care operations in Juarez will be closed before the joint venture takes effect.
In 2025, Electrolux Group North America generated approximately $45 billion in net sales, the company said in a news release.
The Electrolux plant in Anderson opened in 1988 to make Frigidaire refrigerators and freezers and has invested millions over the years, including a $250 million-plus expansion in 2022.
In March, BofA Global Research decreased Electrolux’s rating from buy to underperform, citing weak consumer demand and surging logistics and raw material inflation.