It’s been eight years since Samsung shut down one of its two TV factories in Slovakia. Now, in 2026, the company is set to close its second and final TV production facility in the country.
According to Korean media citing industry sources, Samsung will cease all TV production in Slovakia by the end of May. In the meantime, the company plans to gradually reduce its workforce.
The factory in Galanta has been producing TVs since 2002 and currently employs around 700 people. Samsung will reportedly provide support to help affected employees find new jobs, but the details remain unclear.
Back in 2018, Samsung closed its Voderady plant, leaving Galanta as the sole TV production hub in Slovakia. At that time, the closure was framed as a consolidation effort. Voderady employees were even offered the chance to transfer to Galanta.
This current shutdown, however, is different. With no other Slovakian TV plants to absorb staff after the Galanta plant closes shop, the move represents a complete exit from TV manufacturing in the country. At least, for Samsung.
The company has not issued an official statement explaining the closure. This led to industry analysts speculating on possible reasons.
One explanation is stagnating — or even slightly declining — demand in the global TV market in recent months and quarters. Another points to rising energy costs in Slovakia projected for 2026, which could undermine the profitability of the Galanta plant.
Regardless of the exact motivation, experts largely agree that Samsung is prioritizing profitability and production efficiency. From an industry perspective, the closure is seen as part of broader structural adjustments within Samsung’s manufacturing strategy.
While the end of Slovakian TV production marks a significant shift, it does not spell the end of Samsung TVs in Europe. On the contrary. The company may boost output at other European factories, particularly in Hungary and Poland, to meet ongoing demand.
Even as Samsung exits Slovakia, the move signals a recalibration rather than a retreat.
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