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Not even the pandemic crisis put an end to the investment plan set by Riopele, which in 2020 acquired new automated and more environmentally friendly machines. After the 25 million euros invested in 2019, in 2020 the company invested 5 million more in new machinery.
“As a result of this investment, when the pandemic passes and consumption skyrockets, Riopele will be extremely well-prepared. We can get out of this crisis stronger”, said the company’s president, José Alexandre Oliveira. In addition to the advances in the production automation, the new machines substantially reduce water and energy use.
The leader of the historical company – already on its way to 94 years of activity – has no doubts that “textiles are an industry with a future”, but it’s not confident in a short-term recovery. In his perspective, this year will be more difficult, and will have a greater impact on the sector than 2020, which means that the recovery will be slow and should only happen from 2022 onwards.