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Mondial Announces New Factory in Cruz das Almas (BA), Forecast to Generate 1,400 Direct Jobs. Production Starts by 2026 Focused on Electric Ovens and Air Conditioners.
One of the largest appliance industries in Brazil, the MK Group, owner of the brands Mondial and AIWA, has just announced a historic investment in the state of Bahia. The city of Cruz das Almas, strategically located along BR-101, will host Mondial’s new factory, with construction expected to start between October and November 2025. The project promises not only to strengthen national production of electric ovens and air conditioners but also to generate up to 1,400 direct jobs, transforming the local economic landscape.
The announcement was formalized with the signing of the letter of intent between the company and the Cruz das Almas city hall, during a meeting in São Paulo with the co-founders of the MK Group, Giovanni M. Cardoso and Alberto Baggianni. The initial investment will be R$ 45.7 million, with the first phase expected to be completed by the end of 2026.
A Historic Achievement for Cruz das Almas
The new industrial unit of Mondial in Bahia will be built on a 200,000 square meter area in the DICA 2 Industrial District, an area provided by the city hall. In addition to the land grant, the municipality secured a property tax exemption as a fiscal incentive to attract the venture—a strategy already adopted by other successful industrial cities.
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According to Mayor Ednaldo Ribeiro, the arrival of Mondial represents a turning point for the region:
“We are talking about job creation, more income circulating in the city, real opportunities for our youth, and for those who have always dreamt of having a decent job, close to home,” he stated.
The enthusiasm was also shared by the City Council. According to President Euricles Neto, the municipality was chosen for presenting a favorable environment for private investment:
“Mondial chose Cruz because it trusts our work, our organization, and our commitment to the city’s growth. It’s the result of planning and dialogue with the private sector.”
Bahia Establishes Itself as Mondial’s Industrial Hub
The new plant will be Mondial’s second manufacturing unit in Bahia. The company already operates a large factory in Conceição do Jacuípe, with nearly 5,000 employees and a diverse production that supplies the entire Brazil with fans, dryers, blenders, among other items.
In addition to the new factory, Mondial is also expanding its distribution center in the neighboring city, consolidating Bahia as one of the main logistical and industrial hubs of the brand in Brazil.
With the new unit, the initial focus will be on the production of electric ovens and air conditioners—two segments that are rapidly growing, especially with the popularization of compact technologies for homes and small businesses. The investment in this type of white and brown goods reinforces the company’s commitment to functional, affordable, and value-added appliances.
Jobs, Development, and National Visibility
The expectation of generating 1,400 direct jobs is just the tip of the iceberg. The installation of a factory of this magnitude in Cruz das Almas should stimulate the entire local production chain, also generating thousands of indirect jobs in sectors such as:
- Civil construction (during the works)
- Transport and logistics
- Food and commerce
- Local suppliers of parts, packaging, and raw materials
The municipality will also gain visibility. It will now appear on the national radar as an attractive destination for industrial investments, especially in the appliance and small appliance sectors. This could create a cascading effect of attracting new companies and startups linked to the production chain.
Why Cruz das Almas?
The MK Group conducted strategic studies before deciding on the new location. Among the criteria considered for choosing Cruz das Almas, the following stand out:
- Privileged logistical location, with easy access to BR-101 and the Port of Salvador
- Qualified workforce, with the presence of universities and technical schools
- Urban and industrial infrastructure, including energy, water, and telecommunications
- Fiscal incentives and support from the city hall, essential to make the installation viable
- Regional growth potential, with an expanding consumer market
These factors place Cruz das Almas on the radar of large industrial groups, seeking to decentralize their operations without sacrificing efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
What to Expect from the New Mondial Factory
The unit will be built in phases, with a schedule already defined:
- Start of construction: between October and November 2025
- Phase 1 (completion by the end of 2026): Production of electric ovens and air conditioners
- Subsequent phases (starting in 2027): Possible expansion for new products, depending on demand
- Modular expansion capacity, with areas prepared for new assembly lines
The company also plans to integrate the new plant into a digital production and quality control system—aligning the project with the so-called Industry 4.0, with cutting-edge technology and smart automation.
Additionally, Mondial states that it will prioritize the hiring of local labor, with training programs and partnerships with local educational institutions for the training of technicians and operators.
The initiative of Mondial to expand its operations even in an unstable economic environment demonstrates the resilience of the Brazilian appliance sector. The demand for electric ovens, fans, air conditioners, and other small appliances has remained steady—driven by changes in consumption habits, increased home office arrangements, and investments in practicality and domestic comfort.
With the new factory, Brazil not only strengthens its national production but also reduces dependence on imports, increases the competitiveness of the local industry, and fosters regional development.
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