French direct investment in Portugal is gathering pace, with another heavyweight from across the border committing fresh capital to the country. Soprema, a multinational manufacturer of waterproofing, thermal and acoustic insulation solutions, has announced a new €100 million project in Ribatejo that will see the group double its footprint in the region.

Already present in Alpiarça, where it operates a factory, Soprema will build a second industrial unit in nearby Almeirim. The proximity between the two sites is seen by the company as a strategic advantage, allowing for integrated operations and efficiencies in production and logistics. “This project aims to increase production capacity, support the growth of international markets and consolidate Soprema’s position as a reference in technical solutions for the construction sector,” the group said in a statement.

Founded in France and now a global player with over €5 billion in annual revenues and more than 150 factories worldwide, Soprema is positioning its Portuguese operations as a hub for Southern Europe. The move also underlines a broader trend: French investors have been steadily expanding their presence in Portugal, making sizeable commitments across multiple sectors. As reported recently, France has been among the most dynamic sources of foreign direct investment into the country, from retail and real estate to energy and high-value industry.

The statement, signed by Gonçalo Pita Soares, managing director of Soprema Portugal, highlights that the initiative is part of a wider modernization and expansion program with sustainability at its core. The company frames the project as a contribution to local economic development, emphasizing “a commitment to sustainability and the valorization of local production.” Further details about the timeline and scope of the investment are expected as work progresses.

For the Ribatejo region, Soprema’s decision brings not only capital but also the prospect of skilled jobs and increased industrial weight. For Portugal more broadly, it adds to a growing narrative: the country is no longer just an attractive destination for tourism or real estate, but a manufacturing base chosen by international players for its workforce, geography, and stability.

Soprema’s announcement is more than a corporate milestone. It reflects the deepening of economic ties between France and Portugal, and a vote of confidence in the country’s role as a competitive and sustainable industrial hub in Southern Europe.

Author

Paulo Lopes is a multi-talent Portuguese citizen who made his Master of Economics in Switzerland and studied law at Lusófona in Lisbon - CEO of Casaiberia in Lisbon and Algarve.

Paulo Lopes