Birkenstock invests 15 million euros in Arouca

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From Germany to Portugal, the famous footwear brand Birkenstock is preparing to invest 15 million euros in Arouca. The objective is to build a new factory and create around 650 direct jobs by 2025.

After acquiring the Portuguese company S&CC Portugal, which had already been operating in the sector since 2003, Birkenstock will place the new production unit next to the national brand’s facilities. The 13 thousand square meter factory will be installed in the São Domingos Industrial Zone. According to the municipality, when the first building of the new factory comes into operation, the current S&CC facilities will be demolished, thus freeing up space for the second phase of the work and the construction of a second industrial pavilion. The completion deadline is December 2024, the estimated time for production to start.

Margarida Belém, president of Arouca City Council, highlights that “the attraction of this foreign direct investment by the Birkenstock economic group results from several competitive factors in the country, the region and the municipality”. The municipality also hopes that the brand’s arrival in Arouca will have “significant direct and indirect impacts [para o concelho]such as creating new jobs, retaining the population, attracting new residents and boosting added value”, he refers to Agência Lusa.

With this process, S&CC Portugal is now called Birkenstock Portugal. From Arouca, uppers (the upper front part of the shoe – from the toe cap to the instep) will be sent directly to the future factory in Pasewalk, Germany, where the rest of the shoe will be produced.

After having sold more than 30 million pairs of shoes in almost 100 countries in 2022, last year the German brand became much talked about again. The appearance of the Arizona model in the film “Barbie” boosted Birkenstock sales.

Founded in 1774 by Johann Adam Birkenstock, the business began by selling insoles. The manufacturer currently employs almost 3000 people, collaborates with luxury brands such as Dior, Valentino or Givenchy and its products are sold all over the world.