History

Our history

Valadares History
Valadares

A 100-year-old brand certainly has an aura of knowledge and significant symbolism for its partners and collaborators, current and past.
It is arguably one of the examples of Portuguese know-how.
Valadares survived political upheavals, a world war, several economic crisIs and even internal upheavals that altered its destiny.
Since 2014 under the management of ARCH, the brand continues to be an essential symbol of quality in Portuguese sanitary ceramics.

Valadares
Valadares History

A 100-year-old brand certainly has an aura of knowledge and significant symbolism for its partners and collaborators, current and past.
It is arguably one of the examples of Portuguese know-how.
Valadares survived political upheavals, a world war, several economic crisIs and even internal upheavals that altered its destiny.
Since 2014 under the management of ARCH, the brand continues to be an essential symbol of quality in Portuguese sanitary ceramics.

"On April 25, 1921, six men from the North of Portugal and a firm formed themselves as commanders in the notary's office of José de Oliveira Mourão."
Bulletin of the Associação Cultural Amigos de Gaia, 7 October 1979.

Valadares History
Valadares History

"On April 25, 1921, six men from the North of Portugal and a firm formed themselves as commanders in the notary's office of José de Oliveira Mourão."
Bulletin of the Associação Cultural Amigos de Gaia, 7 October 1979.

Valadares History

In the 1930s, the production of earthenware was started, which would last for more than 20 years, becoming famous for the variety and creativity of its products.
"Specimens of rare presentation came together in an exhibition of ceramics in the United States at a time of erased national position. Thus, it showed the world the extraordinary artistic sensitivity of our ceramics and earthenware manufacturers."
Bulletin of the Associação Cultural Amigos de Gaia, October 7, 1979.

Valadares History

In the 1930s, the production of earthenware was started, which would last for more than 20 years, becoming famous for the variety and creativity of its products.
"Specimens of rare presentation came together in an exhibition of ceramics in the United States at a time of erased national position. Thus, it showed the world the extraordinary artistic sensitivity of our ceramics and earthenware manufacturers."
Bulletin of the Associação Cultural Amigos de Gaia, October 7, 1979.

The 40's brought important challenges for Valadares, for historical reasons, but also for its growth.
In this period Valadares starts the production of materials in Stoneware, with the production of articles as different as bottles for wine and other containers, or the manufacture of stoneware in sanitation pipes, with the acquisition of a specific machine for its manufacture.

Valadares History
Valadares History

The 40's brought important challenges for Valadares, for historical reasons, but also for its growth.
In this period Valadares starts the production of materials in Stoneware, with the production of articles as different as bottles for wine and other containers, or the manufacture of stoneware in sanitation pipes, with the acquisition of a specific machine for its manufacture.

Valadares History

In the early 1950s, in view of the growth of the construction and infrastructure market in Portugal, Valadares decided to invest in the production of sanitary ware with the help of an Italian technological partner.
From 1950 to 1955, the first tests for the manufacture of faience paste toilets took place, as well as the development of a paste in Vitreous China (Sanitary Porcelain), something very innovative for the time.
Something that had a significant impact on the renovation of the company and the growth of its industrial facilities.

Valadares History

In the early 1950s, in view of the growth of the construction and infrastructure market in Portugal, Valadares decided to invest in the production of sanitary ware with the help of an Italian technological partner.
From 1950 to 1955, the first tests for the manufacture of faience paste toilets took place, as well as the development of a paste in Vitreous China (Sanitary Porcelain), something very innovative for the time.
Something that had a significant impact on the renovation of the company and the growth of its industrial facilities.

The 60's were marked by the importance of the production of smooth and decorated coating materials.
Valadares has equipped many buildings in the North and has also played an important role in exports to Africa, sending products to equip hospital units and the housing stock, both of which were growing rapidly at that time.

Valadares History
Valadares History

The 60's were marked by the importance of the production of smooth and decorated coating materials.
Valadares has equipped many buildings in the North and has also played an important role in exports to Africa, sending products to equip hospital units and the housing stock, both of which were growing rapidly at that time.

Valadares History

At the end of the 1970s, the Valadares factory block was the most modern production center for sanitary ware and tiles in Portugal, employing around 1800 employees.
In this decade we are witnessing yet another entry into the Valadares family, with the construction of an industrial unit for the manufacture of Wall tiles, followed by a unit of production of adhesive.
Technological developments have allowed colour to reach toilets, as well as decoration, expanding the offer and responding to market trends.

Valadares History

At the end of the 1970s, the Valadares factory block was the most modern production center for sanitary ware and tiles in Portugal, employing around 1800 employees.
In this decade we are witnessing yet another entry into the Valadares family, with the construction of an industrial unit for the manufacture of Wall tiles, followed by a unit of production of adhesive.
Technological developments have allowed colour to reach toilets, as well as decoration, expanding the offer and responding to market trends.

This decade represents a period of profound change for Valadares.
In 1980, the industrial park consisted of 3 sanitary ware plants, 1 glazing plant, a wall tile plant and a cement unit.
Exporting was, at that time, a consolidated reality for Europe and the United States.

Valadares History
Valadares History

This decade represents a period of profound change for Valadares.
In 1980, the industrial park consisted of 3 sanitary ware plants, 1 glazing plant, a wall tile plant and a cement unit.
Exporting was, at that time, a consolidated reality for Europe and the United States.

Valadares History

This decade marks the exclusive dedication to the production of sanitary ware, after the conversion of its industrial capacity with 2 new sanitary units.
This was the period in which Valadares assumed its export vocation, a decision reinforced by the opening of European markets and its export capacity reached remarkable levels, being present in more than 70 countries.
There is also a renewal of the Branding of the brand and a profound renewal of the range of sanitary wares.

Valadares History

This decade marks the exclusive dedication to the production of sanitary ware, after the conversion of its industrial capacity with 2 new sanitary units.
This was the period in which Valadares assumed its export vocation, a decision reinforced by the opening of European markets and its export capacity reached remarkable levels, being present in more than 70 countries.
There is also a renewal of the Branding of the brand and a profound renewal of the range of sanitary wares.

Valadares

The beginning of a new century is a time of hope and challenge and Valadares was prepared to grow.
For the first time, the annual production capacity of 1 million pieces was reached, which allowed it to approach international markets with renewed confidence.
Thus it grew to areas of the world that were hitherto forbidden, such as the Middle East, Asia and Oceania.
In addition to the traditional quality of its products, the creative capacity of the design and the technical performance of the new collections were added.
"It was always a school of knowledge in Ceramics and Engineering, used by several national companies and outside the country."
Eng. Rocha Ferreira, Director of Engineering and ID&T.

Valadares History
Valadares
Valadares History

The beginning of a new century is a time of hope and challenge and Valadares was prepared to grow.
For the first time, the annual production capacity of 1 million pieces was reached, which allowed it to approach international markets with renewed confidence.
Thus it grew to areas of the world that were hitherto forbidden, such as the Middle East, Asia and Oceania.
In addition to the traditional quality of its products, the creative capacity of the design and the technical performance of the new collections were added.
"It was always a school of knowledge in Ceramics and Engineering, used by several national companies and outside the country."
Eng. Rocha Ferreira, Director of Engineering and ID&T.

Valadares History
Valadares

In 2014, the Valadares brand was integrated into the new company, ARCH, SA, with a new industrial project.
For the first time, Valadares assumes a tailor made product, taking advantage of its creative capacity and the flexibility of its industrial park.
The innovative capacity will allow the creation of new ceramic materials (Gresanit, HighCer, HighPor), and the creative approach to finishes and product design proposals.
"In 2014 a group of former staff and new investors decided to take the Valadares brand and give a second life to what was once the largest Portuguese ceramic manufacturer.
Forbes Magazine, October 2016 edition.

Valadares
Valadares History

In 2014, the Valadares brand was integrated into the new company, ARCH, SA, with a new industrial project.
For the first time, Valadares assumes a tailor made product, taking advantage of its creative capacity and the flexibility of its industrial park.
The innovative capacity will allow the creation of new ceramic materials (Gresanit, HighCer, HighPor), and the creative approach to finishes and product design proposals.
"In 2014 a group of former staff and new investors decided to take the Valadares brand and give a second life to what was once the largest Portuguese ceramic manufacturer.
Forbes Magazine, October 2016 edition.

In 2021, Valadares has a new image, a new strategy and the ambition to grow through value, the main objective to be pursued.
In 100 years of the Valadares brand, investment in innovation has never been so high, decisively preparing the future for a very different reality in which technological and creative capacities will be decisive for its consolidation.

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