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Our history
A brand with over 100 years It certainly has an aura of knowledge and significant symbolism for its partners and collaborators, current and past. It is undoubtedly one of the examples of Portuguese know-how.
Valadares has survived political upheavals, a world war, several economic crises and even internal upheavals that have changed its destiny. Since 2014, under the management of ARCH, the brand continues to be an unavoidable symbol of quality in Portuguese sanitary ceramics.
Foundation
On April 25th, the company "Fábrica Cerâmica de Valadares, Lda" was founded by six men from the north of Portugal, with a share capital of 140.00 escudos.
Decade of 20
It is dedicated to the production of red clay articles (bricks and tiles, bread ovens, forks, siphons, various tiles and sanitary ware.
Years 30
The production of earthenware began, which would continue for more than 20 years, becoming famous for the exquisite variety of pieces and design in the area of Portuguese decorative tableware.
"Specimens of rare presentation were found at a ceramics exhibition in the United States at a time of low national standing. This showed the entire world the extraordinary artistic sensitivity of our ceramicists and earthenware manufacturers."
Bulletin of the Friends of Gaia Cultural Association, 7 October 1979.
1949
Industrial process and expansion of its manufacturing facilities. The 40s brought important challenges to Valadares, for historical reasons, but also for its growth. During this period, Valadares began producing stoneware materials, producing items as diverse as wine bottles and other containers, or manufacturing stoneware in sewage pipes, with the acquisition of a specific machine for their manufacture.Decade of 50
In the early 50s, faced with 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 were carried out to manufacture sanitary ware in earthenware paste, as well as the development of a paste in Vitreous China (Sanitary Porcelain), a highly innovative material for the time. This had a significant impact on the company's renewal and the growth of its industrial facilities.
Decade of 60
The 60s were marked by the importance of the production of smooth and decorated coating materials. Valadares equipped many buildings in the North and also played a significant role in exports to Africa, sending products to equip hospital units and housing stock, both of which were growing rapidly at that time.
Decade of 70
In the late 70s, the Valadares factory was the most modern production centre for sanitary ware and tiles in Portugal, employing around 1800 people. This decade saw another addition to the Valadares family, with the construction of an industrial unit for the manufacture of mosaics, followed by a cement-based adhesive production unit. Technological developments allowed colour to be added to sanitary ware, as well as decoration, expanding the range and responding to market trends.
Decade of 80
This decade represented a period of profound change for Valadares. In 1980, the industrial park consisted of three sanitary ware factories, a covering factory, a mosaic factory and a cement adhesive unit. Exports to Europe and the United States were already a consolidated reality at the time.
Decade of 90
This decade marks the exclusive dedication to the production of sanitary ware, after the conversion of its industrial capacity with two new sanitary ware 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 was also a renewal of the brand's branding and a profound renewal of the sanitary ware range.
2000
The beginning of a new century is a time of hope and challenge, and Valadares was ready to grow. For the first time, the company reached an annual production capacity of 1 million pieces, which allowed it to approach international markets with renewed confidence. It thus expanded into areas of the world that had previously been closed off, such as the Middle East, Asia and Oceania. In addition to the traditional quality of its products, it added the creative capacity of design and the technical performance of the new collections.
"It has always been a school of knowledge in Ceramics and Engineering, used in several national and international companies."
Eng. Rocha Ferreira, Director of Engineering and R&D.
Gresanit
In 2005, presentation and marketing of sanitary pieces made in Gresanit.
The Ceramics of 20 years warranty.
2014
Created the ARCH (Advanced Research)arch Ceramic Heritage) SA to implement a new business reality, the main objective of which is to revive the Valadares brand. For the first time, Valadares is taking on a tailor-made product aspect, taking advantage of its creative capacity and the flexibility of its industrial park.
"In 2014, a group of former executives and new investors decided to take over the Valadares brand and give a second life to what was once the largest Portuguese ceramics company."
Forbes Magazine, October 2016 issue.
Highcer & Highpor
Development and launch on the market of a new ceramic finish called HighCer and Highpor.
2021
Celebration of 100 years making this one of the few brands nationwide to become a century-old brand.