La crisis in the household appliances sector shows no signs of stopping. After seventy years of activity, the historic Candy factory di Brugherio si is moving towards closure of its production lines. The Italian brand, acquired by the Chinese giant Haier in 2018, will end production of the famous washing machines by June 2025 as part of a rationalisation plan.
The closure of Brugherio is part of a long list of closures and renovations that are reshaping the industrial landscape of the continent. Among the most recent cases, Beko Europe announced a restructuring plan that will lead to the cclosure of three factories and 1.935 redundancies by next year. Other big names too, as Honey ed Electrolux, are facing similar difficulties, forced to downsize due to a general decline in demand. The crisis, aggravated by geopolitical tensions and inflation, has drastically reduced consumer confidence, eroding profit margins and forcing companies to reorganize. A scenario that has pushed many historic brands, including Candy, to reduce their production presence in Europe to focus on more sustainable strategic hubs.
The end of an era: Candy closes in Brugherio
After seventy years of activity, the Brugherio production site will cease production by June 2025. The plant, once beating heart of washing machine production front-loading, will be closed as part of a rationalization plan announced by the Chinese owner Haier. The decision does not only affect Italy: Haier has already communicated the Closure of the Aricestii Rahtivani plant, in Romania, by March of the same year.
Haier explained that the plan aims to consolidate operations in a few strategic locations, reducing the social impact through reconversion projects. The Brugherio plant, in fact, will be transformed in a strategic hub for research and innovation. The site will host the Milan Experience Design Center, laboratories dedicated to the Internet of Things and connectivity, as well as the European center for customer service and spare parts. Furthermore, it will be transformed into a Smart Home Campus, confirming the group's commitment to innovation and technology.
Workers and unions on alert, voluntary exits expected
The Closure of Brugherio will affect approximately 170 workers, on a total of 1.100 employees distributed between the production site and the headquarters in Vimercate. To mitigate the social impact, Haier has introduced a voluntary exit program which will involve 100 employees. The agreement, signed with the unions, aims to promote the relocation of workers, offering incentives to those who decide to undertake new professional opportunities.
Despite these initiatives, the closure of the site represents a significant loss for the economic and social fabric of Brianza. Candy has long been a symbol of manufacturing excellenceIt is a pillar of local industry, and its downsizing leaves a void that will be difficult to fill.
Candy: a historic brand of Italian excellence
Candy's Story begins in 1927, when Eden Fumagalli founded in Monza the company that would become a pioneer in the home appliance industry. In the Years' 60, under the guidance of the Fumagalli family, the company reached international dimensions, distinguishing itself for its continuous innovation and the quality of its products, particularly washing machines.
Despite the end of production in Brugherio, Haier has confirmed its commitment to the Candy brand and the Italian market. Group will retain 900 employees e will continue its activities in other strategic hubs such as Treviso, specialized in the Hvac (air conditioning) business, and Bassano del Grappa, dedicated to the production of ovens and products for the cooking area.
