In a statement, the municipality says that the Advanced Shoe Factory (ASF 4.0) has a footprint of 4,200 square metres and is being built in the parish of Silveiros, next to National Road 204.

"The first operational phase of the company is scheduled for next July, with the start of two production lines, with an announced capacity of 500,000 pairs per year and the creation of 210 jobs," it adds.

The first productions will be destined for the Salomon brand, a long-time partner of ASF 4.0. Two expansions are, however, planned to reach a total of 1.5 million pairs and 580 jobs by 2030.

This project is carried out with the logistical support of the newly created Investment Support Office of the Municipality of Barcelos.

For the mayor of Barcelos, Mário Constantino Lopes, "this is a very important investment for Barcelos, not only because it can act as an anchor for new investors in the municipality, but also because of the number of jobs it will create."

"This project thus represents a significant business investment and a commitment to the enhancement of local human resources and the sustainable development of the municipality, reaffirming Barcelos as an attractive, dynamic territory prepared to welcome new investments," says the mayor.

ASF 4.0 has been part of the French group Chamatex since 2020.

The project destined for Barcelos is the result of an industrial investment round.

Among the investors, the Portuguese Carlos Tavares, former CEO of Stellantis, and the French Olympic judo champion, Teddy Riner, stand out.

The financing of the new factory involved a capital increase by ASF 4.0 in the order of €7 million, complemented in particular by bank financing.

The new factory in Barcelos will have the support of the ASF 4.0 research centre, based in Ardoix, in the French mountains of Ardèche, specialising in the development, industrialisation, and production of high standards.

Technological developments and new models of sports footwear are monitored there.