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Fabricaal – Fábrica Alentejana de Lanifícios, in Reguengos de Monsaraz, was recently highlighted by National Geographic as an example of preserving Portuguese history and tradition. The publication emphasizes the uniqueness of the company, where weaving is still done on manual looms, keeping alive the art of the famous Alentejo blankets.
Founded in the 1930s by António Durão as a small workshop, the company transformed into a factory in the following decades under José Rosa, already operating under the name Fábrica Alentejana de Lanifícios. It was then that the first steps toward internationalization began, attracting the attention of the Dutch entrepreneur Mizette Nielsen. In 1977, Nielsen took over management, modernized processes, introduced new product lines, and ensured the brand’s survival until 2020.
Since then, Fabricaal has been managed by three Portuguese entrepreneurs—António Carretreiro, Luís Peixe, and Margarida Adónis—who continue to prioritize tradition and authenticity. Today, the company produces blankets, rugs, poufs, cushions, bags, and other accessories, always using artisanal techniques. According to National Geographic, wool was for a long time the “backbone of the local economy,” noting that it was once used to make shepherds’ blankets in brown and black tones, before evolving into more elaborate travel blankets with vivid colors and traditional motifs, such as the “stem” or the “partridge eye.”
Currently, Fabricaal operates 11 wooden hand-crank looms, some over a century old, run by a team of eight people, mostly women.
The facilities are housed in a former olive oil mill dating back to 1918, which has also become a visitor space, presenting itself as a true “living museum” of Reguengos blankets.
According to Luís Peixe, one of the partners, in an interview with T Jornal on Tuesday: “We focus heavily on the home décor market, working with interior designers, but we also sell directly to the public through our two stores and our online shop. The most frequent products are rugs, all handmade, but also blankets and bed headboards, all made to measure. Customers can customize the pattern structure and colors, having the flexibility to design their own piece.”
When asked about training people to work with old looms, Luís explained, “We have conducted this training internally, and it has gone well; the know-how has been maintained, and we have even had younger people wanting to enter this craft.” He also emphasizes that everything is made in Portugal, from the purchase of yarn to its washing and dyeing, while acknowledging that the current washing facility is at risk of closing. “From weaving to the final product, the entire process is done in-house.”
In terms of sales, the business has proven profitable, thanks to the introduction of new product categories. “We have been growing and increasingly internationalizing the blankets; international sales already account for 25% of our turnover. The main markets are Central and Northern Europe and the United States.” Luís and the two partners took over the project in the most difficult year, during the Covid pandemic, and still managed to establish the product with innovative projects.
Looking ahead, the goals are to continue keeping this craft alive, enter new markets, and develop the tourism aspect, turning the museum into a true showcase of the company’s history. “The organized visits we offer are very well received; seeing the products live always adds value,” he concludes.