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The 35 million euro investment plan drawn up in 2010 by Riopele for the company’s modernization it’s in its final stage. Focused on digital transition and sustainability, the goal is to transform the historic textile, founded in 1927, into the most modern factory in Europe.
“We want to be a reference in Europe by investing not only in cutting-edge technology – equipment automation and efficiency, construction a digital platform, monitoring the shop floor and implementing an artificial vision system on looms – but also through optimization processes and reinforcing internal skills”, explains José Alexandre Oliveira, President of Riopele (photo).
According to the company, “in the last decade, the number of employees increased by 23%, to 1039 at the end of 2020. In the technical, research and development, logistics, commercial and sustainability areas, Riopele already employs more than 150 employees, around 18% of the company’s total. A growth of over 20% since 2010”.
Another relevant data is the number of professionals with a university degree, which now stands at 118, an increase of 46% since 2010, and that now represent more than 10% of the workforce.
Founded in 1927, Riopele is an international reference in fabric production for prestigious international brands. After eight years of growth, it is now investing in other business areas such as the automotive industry, and strengthening its position in the workwear and military segments.