Essity installs conversion machine for local production of Tork in Argentina

Essity, a global leader in hygiene and health with a presence in 150 countries, has announced the installation of a new converting machine for the local production of Tork products, a leading brand in professional hygiene solutions. For the first time, Tork products will be manufactured in Argentina, reinforcing the company’s commitment to the domestic and Latin American institutional hygiene market. The machinery, installed at RyR’s facilities in San Juan, one of the brand’s main distributors in the country, will start up in April and will be used to manufacture heavy-duty paper towels and toilet paper.

The initiative is part of Essity’s strategy to expand its presence in Latin America, seeking to integrate global innovation and local adaptation to drive growth. According to Alberto Cajiga, Essity’s vice president of commercial strategy and marketing, strengthening operations in Argentina is essential to the company’s plans. “Growing in Latin America is one of our main strategic objectives. Increasing our sales in Argentina is fundamental because it will allow us to have a strong impact on regional growth,” he said.

In addition to local production, the company stresses the importance of establishing strategic partnerships with local industries to ensure greater operational efficiency and optimize logistics. “Tork is a global brand, present in more than 130 countries. We are always looking for new opportunities and positioning ourselves in a market as important as Argentina is a priority,” Cajiga stressed.

Dominique Deschamps, Essity’s Vice President of Professional Hygiene, praised the progress of the project and pointed out that the installation of the new production line took place in a short period of time, while maintaining high quality standards. He also highlighted the company’s commitment to sustainability, mentioning that solar panels will soon be installed at the unit to reduce the environmental impact of production.

The Argentine operation will also play a strategic role in exporting to neighboring countries. According to Francisco Salamé, Cono Sur’s commercial director, from the third quarter of 2025, San Juan’s production will also meet demand from markets such as Bolivia, Paraguay and Uruguay. “The continuity of the business in Argentina today depends on guaranteeing local production from start to finish, with Argentine labor,” he said.

The professional hygiene business represents 26% of Tork’s global sales, and Latin America accounts for 8% of this total. With the new production unit, Essity hopes to strengthen its participation in the region and expand its operations in strategic markets, such as Buenos Aires and other Argentine provinces. Currently, Tork already offers a complete portfolio of professional hygiene products in the country, including soaps, dispensers and the SmartOne line, which reduces paper consumption by up to 40% compared to conventional systems. Another innovation from the brand is Xpressnap, a napkin dispenser that reduces consumption by up to 25%.

With over 15 years’ experience in Argentina and a strong presence with the Calipso, Nosotras and TENA brands, Essity reaffirms its commitment to sustainable development and local production. The new converting machine reinforces the company’s strategy of leveraging its operations in Latin America, promoting professional hygiene and ensuring greater competitiveness in the market.