A source from the Belgian group FN Herstal, which owns Browning Viana, told Lusa that "since the beginning of the expansion project, in 2022, around 50 new jobs have been created".
According to Browing Viana's official website, the company employs more than 500 workers.
The factory, responsible for the production of Browning and Winchester weapons, now occupies "a total area of 30,000 square metres".
It is the largest weapons factory in Portugal, authorised by the PSP to produce up to 150,000 units per year.
The investment in expanding the facilities, budgeted at 21 million euros, "was financed, at 1.5 million euros, by community funds".
In March 2022, the Viana do Castelo Chamber unanimously approved the recognition of municipal interest in the investment.
Browning produces rifles and hunting rifles, with "70% of production destined for the American market".
The company estimates that it will close the year 2023 with "a turnover of 80 million euros", predicting an increase in turnover of eight million euros by 2024.