Kohler Shuts Its Only Brazilian Factory, Hitting 400 Jobs
Brazil · INDUSTRY
Key Facts
- —Closure date Monday 31 August 2026
- —Location Andradas, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- —Employees affected More than 400 direct jobs
- —Reason Impact of tariffs and nearshoring
- —Future of site Considering selling to a competitor
The closure marks the end of the Fiori brand in Brazil and leaves the future of the industrial site uncertain.
Kohler has shut its only Brazilian factory, ending production at its plant in Andradas and affecting more than 400 jobs. The closure, reported by Valor Econômico, took place on Monday 31 August 2026.
Kohler Ends Production in Brazil
Kohler closed its sole Brazilian factory on Monday 31 August 2026, according to Valor Econômico. The plant is located in Andradas, in the state of Minas Gerais.
The factory made sanitaryware, which includes ceramic basins and lavatory pans, as well as bathroom and kitchen fittings. More than 400 direct employees are affected, said Allan di Bartolomeo, Kohler’s legal director for Latin America.
Why Kohler Made the Decision
Kohler attributes the shutdown to the impact of tariffs and nearshoring on its business. Nearshoring means moving production closer to the end market, often from a distant country to one nearer the customer.
The company says it is now concentrating on the luxury segment. Therefore, the closure reflects a strategic shift rather than a simple cost cut.
The Fiori Brand Ends
As a result, Kohler is ending its Fiori sanitaryware brand in Brazil. This move affects the brand’s presence in the country.
In addition, the company has not decided what to do with the industrial site. It is considering selling the industrial park to a competitor, according to the same legal director.
Location of the Closed Plant
Andradas sits in the south of Minas Gerais, near the border with São Paulo state. This location had served as Kohler’s manufacturing base in Brazil.
However, the plant’s future now hangs in the balance. The company is exploring options for the property.
Impact on Workers
The closure directly affects more than 400 employees, according to Kohler’s legal director. These workers face an uncertain future after the shutdown.
Meanwhile, the company has not announced any severance or relocation plans. The focus remains on selling the industrial park, which could potentially preserve some jobs if a competitor buys it.
Understanding Sanitaryware
Sanitaryware refers to the ceramic parts of a bathroom, such as basins and lavatory pans. This is different from the metal fittings, like taps and showers.
Kohler’s factory in Andradas produced both types of products. The closure ends this production line in Brazil.
Kohler’s Strategic Shift
Kohler says it is concentrating on the luxury segment. This suggests a move away from mass-market sanitaryware in Brazil.
The company is considering selling the industrial park to a competitor. No buyer has been named.
What Happens Next
Kohler has not decided what to do with the site. The company is considering selling the industrial park to a competitor.
Once a decision is made, it could affect the local economy in Andradas. However, no timeline has been given for the sale.
Kohler’s Brazilian Legacy
The Andradas plant was Kohler’s only factory in Brazil. Its closure marks a significant change for the company’s operations in the country.
Although Kohler is ending its Fiori brand, the company may continue to sell imported products in the luxury segment. Even so, the manufacturing footprint is gone.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Kohler close its Brazilian factory?
Kohler closed its only Brazilian factory on Monday 31 August 2026. The closure was reported by Valor Econômico the same day.
How many jobs are affected by the Kohler closure?
More than 400 direct employees are affected. This figure comes from Allan di Bartolomeo, Kohler’s legal director for Latin America.
Why did Kohler decide to shut the factory?
Kohler attributes the decision to the impact of tariffs and nearshoring on its business. The company is now focusing on the luxury segment.
What will happen to the Kohler factory site?
Kohler has not decided what to do with the site. It is considering selling the industrial park to a competitor, according to the legal director.
Connected Coverage
Sources: Valor Econômico; Brazilian business press.
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