Charts a course towards excellence
Born in Italy’s Marche region in 1979, Serafini Srl has successfully navigated the complexities of the global market, establishing itself as a leader in the production of support materials and adhesive tapes for the footwear, leather goods and automotive industries. Inspired by the sea, Chairman Marco Serafini has led Serafini Srl with a navigator’s resolve with the steady hand of a seasoned captain, skillfully guiding the company through market fluctuations and towards continued growth ensuring its continued success. The decision to invest in a new production facility in Felgueiras, Portugal, represents a critical milestone in this journey. The Portuguese footwear district, particularly dynamic thanks to its long tradition and high specialization, provides an ideal environment for the growth of a company like Serafini Srl. Equipped with cutting-edge technology, the new facility enables the company to manufacture a wide range of customized products, meeting the increasingly sophisticated demands of the market. Moreover, the strategic location of Felgueiras facilitates access to major European markets, allowing the company to reduce delivery times and enhance its competitiveness. With this new investment, Serafini Srl, backed by solid experience and a clear vision, reaffirms its commitment to being a key player in the industry, focusing on sustainable, long-term growth.
What were the main motivations that led you to choose Portugal, and specifically Felgueiras, as the location for your production facility?
“Our decision to invest in Portugal was strategic, driven by several key factors. Felgueiras, with its renowned footwear district, offers a unique ecosystem within Europe. We gain invaluable access to a highly specialized supply chain and a skilled labor pool. The region attracts industry leaders like Gabor and Louis Vuitton, as well as renowned international brands such as Birkenstock, among many others. Moreover, the Portuguese government’s proactive support for Industry 4.0 initiatives, combined with competitive energy costs, made this investment particularly attractive. The proximity to key European markets, such as France and Spain, provides an additional strategic advantage for our international expansion plans.”
How are the new technologies introduced at the Portuguese facility innovating your production processes, and what benefits do they bring in terms of quality, efficiency, and flexibility?
“Our Portuguese facility is undergoing a technological transformation, with cutting-edge advancements revolutionizing our production processes and driving unprecedented levels of precision and manufacturing flexibility. With our new coating machines and laminators, we can now offer customers a wider range of customized, high-performance products, including reinforcements, laminates, and expanded adhesive materials, all expertly engineered to meet the evolving needs of the footwear market.”
What are the strategic objectives you aim to achieve with this new investment? How will this new facility contribute to the company’s growth and development in the medium to long term?
“This new investment is a key step towards solidifying our position as a leader in the footwear market and expanding our global reach. The combination of cutting-edge technology and our commitment to innovation will enable us to develop ever more sustainable and high-performing products, exceeding the expectations of even the most discerning consumers.”
What are the flagship products in your offering, and what characteristics make them unique and competitive in the market? How do you see your product range evolving in the coming years?
“Our flagship products are footwear reinforcements, crafted from innovative materials that ensure exceptional comfort and durability. Our new production lines allow us to offer a diverse range of customized solutions, tailored to specific material and design requirements. We are also active in the insole sector, developing comprehensive solutions for footbeds. Furthermore, we’ve launched two new lines dedicated to producing polyurethane hot-melt adhesives and hot-melt films for laminations. Looking ahead, we are investing in the development of new products for the automotive sector, capitalizing on our expertise in processing expanded materials and technical fabrics.”
How do you intend to leverage your strategic location in Portugal to expand your target market? What are the main target markets, and what export strategies are you implementing?
“Our strategic location in Portugal serves as an ideal springboard for expanding our presence in European markets and beyond, including North Africa, with Morocco being a key focus. We have a robust pipeline of projects underway. With a firm footing in the present and our sights set on the future, we are prepared to navigate any challenges that may arise.”
From the left: Carlos Almanza, Head Colombia, Andrea Santolini, Eurocompo Mexico, Roberto Elisei, Group Commercial Director, Marco Serafini, Group President, Pierluigi Marino of Arte Tessile and Joaquim Teixeira, Texan Portugal