Whirlpool plans to close its factory in Norrkoeping (Sweden), in order to boost the competitiveness of its built-in products in EMEA area. More specifically, the plan includes: the consolidation of the production of built-in microwaves in a single European hub of built-in, located in Cassinetta di Biandronno in the province of Varese, and for a small part also in the United States for some dedicated platforms; the consolidation of research and development at the center of excellence in Cassinetta di Biandronno; the closure of the factory in Norrkoeping, including technological and logistic centers. “The production structure of the built-in products is currently no longer competitive. This plan will help us to improve our position on costs and create substantial economies of scale”, says Davide Castiglioni, Vice President Industrial Operations, Whirlpool EMEA. In the coming weeks Whirlpool will meet with the union representatives to the opening of a negotiating table.
