By making use of Riba de Ave’s robust textile knowhow and infrastructure, and EU funding, this historic Portuguese village has redefined and reinvigorated its textile industry.
Portuguese textile factory gets a new lease on life
- 29 January 2021
I always believed in this project and tried to build the conditions for this company to make its way over time. I didn’t expect immediate results as I knew that the learning process would take time. It took us about two years to get the necessary results, but we are proud of the work that was done.
Riba de Ave, in northern Portugal, was once a powerhouse in the textile industry. However, as companies began outsourcing their production to countries in Asia and Africa, its once vibrant textile sector began to dry up.
Although the companies may have left, the town still had the warehouses and vast textile experience. Seeing an opportunity, civic leaders decided to act. With the support of the ERDF, the warehouses were refurbished and equipped with modern equipment and the latest technologies. Former textile employees were upskilled, and new workers trained.
The result is Erius – a versatile textile services company for the 21st century.
Increased production capacity
Erius specialises in serving the luxury fashion market, including labels such as Versace, COS, Kenzo, and Moschino. These companies demand a high-quality, secure supplier. As a European-based services company, Erius fits the bill.
The new factory stands out in its ability to do stamping in-house, a service that was once subcontracted. They facility is home to new looms, high-precision cutting machines, and other state-of-the-art sewing equipment. It features a moulding department able to work from mould to final fitting and four showroom spaces. All this equipment contributes to the company’s significant increase in production capacity.
A focus on exports
Today, Erius employees around 200 people, 90 % of whom were once employed by a former textile company. The company also subcontracts with 10 companies, who collectively employ around 400 people.
With a focus on exporting to European markets, the company currently produces nearly 10 000 pieces per day, primarily small batch and customised items. It operates completely autonomously and exports to 15 countries.
Total investment and EU funding
Total investment for the project “Erius Secrets” is EUR 2 019 374, with the EU’s European Regional Development Fund contributing EUR 1 009 687 through the NORTE 2020 – Portugal Norte Region Operational Programme for the 2014-2020 programming period. The investment falls under the priority “supporting the competitiveness and innovation in SMEs”.