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Ramiro Almeida & Filhos, Lda., a manufacturer of outerwear knits, recorded a 20% increase in turnover in 2025, driven by a strategy centered on boosting production capacity and improving industrial efficiency. João Ramiro Almeida, a member of the management team, told T Jornal that the company aims to “enhance responsiveness to clients, with new technical solutions, faster sample delivery, adherence to lead times, and a constant focus on efficiency and quality at every stage of the production process.”
Looking ahead to 2026, the outlook is cautious amid a highly volatile international context. “It’s difficult to make reliable forecasts in a world in flux. Some markets are growing, others are declining. What has helped balance this is that we operate globally: selling worldwide, gains in some markets offset declines in others,” he explained.
Headquartered in Minde and with over 60 years of experience, the company exports to multiple international markets, with a particular focus on Germany, France, Spain, and the United States, while maintaining activity in Portugal.
The business model is based on developing collections from technical specifications provided by clients and brands, which then place production orders. “This means that every six months we start from scratch with new collections, different yarns, new colors — which is challenging,” João Ramiro Almeida noted.
Ramiro Almeida & Filhos has an annual production capacity of around 50,000 units, covering sweaters, coats, capes, hats, and more, for adults, children, and babies. “Fortunately, the orders we’ve received have kept our production close to full capacity. For that reason, we have planned new investments to further expand this capacity,” he added.
Recent investments include the renewal of weaving and finishing equipment, which contributed to increased productivity through improved efficiency and quality. The company also installed solar panels around five years ago, reducing energy costs by roughly two-thirds. “It was an important sustainability investment, which also allowed us to anticipate the significant subsequent rise in energy costs,” he highlighted.
Founded in 1964, the company remains family-owned and is now managed by the second generation, with brothers João Ramiro Almeida and Nuno Manuel Almeida at the helm. Consolidated results and sustained growth have been achieved through close client relationships, competitive pricing and lead times, and a strong commitment to quality.