Exlabesa Coimbra 2030: our largest expansion project in Portugal

At Exlabesa, we are committed to innovation, sustainability and talent development. For this reason, we are launching Exlabesa Coimbra 2030, our most ambitious project in Portugal, which will involve an investment of €40 million to transform the Soure plant into a leading industrial and technological aluminium hub in Europe.

The investment plan was presented at a press conference held at the Coimbra factory, attended by the Mayor of Soure, Rui Fernandes, along with several members of his municipal team and leading Portuguese media outlets.

During his speech, Fernandes highlighted that Exlabesa’s investment will be “a key factor in the municipality’s socio-economic development”, underlining the positive influence the company has had during its three years of activity in the region.

For his part, Ramón Vázquez, Exlabesa’s General Manager in Portugal, stated:

“Today we are taking a decisive step in our growth strategy. We are convinced that this project represents a strategic advancement for both Exlabesa and the Soure region, as it will boost the area’s industrial development through job creation and by strengthening the business ecosystem, all under the principles of innovation and sustainability that define our company.”

From left to right: Flavio Moureira, Plant Director; Ramón Vázquez, General Manager of Exlabesa Portugal; and Cristian Sieira, Head of Innovation Management at Exlabesa.

Greater capacity and cutting-edge technology with Exlabesa Coimbra 2030

With this expansion, the Soure plant will increase its annual production capacity from 16,000 to 45,000 tonnes, incorporating three new extrusion presses and a state-of-the-art coating line. The first press will be 12 inches and 45 MN, while the other two will be sized according to market needs. Ramón Vázquez emphasised:

“It will be one of the most advanced facilities in Portugal in terms of production capacity and technological innovation.”

The plant’s surface area will triple to 30,000 m², incorporating Industry 4.0 technologies that will enable precise control of every production process, ensuring quality, efficiency and traceability across all products. These innovations make it possible to manufacture aluminium profiles with advanced dimensions and technical specifications previously unattainable, opening opportunities in high value-added sectors such as naval, defence and mobility.

“Our aim is to transform the way we manufacture, innovate and operate, strengthening the competitiveness and value of our products in international markets,” Vázquez added.

Sustainability and the circular economy as a strategic pillar

At Exlabesa, we understand that expansion must go hand in hand with sustainability. With Coimbra 2030, we will increase the use of recycled aluminium from 60% to 90% and reduce our carbon footprint through process optimisation and material recovery.

“It is not only about producing more, but about producing better, with environmental and social responsibility,” Vázquez stated, highlighting that innovation and sustainability are strategic pillars that strengthen the company’s competitiveness.

Rui Fernandes, Mayor of Soure, together with Ramón Vázquez, General Manager of Exlabesa Portugal.

Job creation and development of local talent

The Exlabesa Coimbra 2030 project will create 300 new jobs, in addition to the current 100, with a strong focus on training and the development of local talent. This will consolidate Soure as a hub of innovation and knowledge in aluminium extrusion. Ramón Vázquez highlighted during the press conference: “Only through public–private collaboration will we be able to build a solid and transformative future for the community. Innovation not only creates jobs, but also strengthens the entire productive and technological chain of the region.”

The Mayor of the Municipality of Soure, for his part, stressed:

“The impact Exlabesa has is truly a regional impact. The investment is already a reality; work such as earthworks is underway, and we aim to complete the entire licensing process in the first quarter of the year. For Soure, nothing is more important than delivering this investment.”

Fernandes added that the company brings innovation, knowledge and economic development, becoming a benchmark for the region.

With Exlabesa Coimbra 2030, we reaffirm our industrial and technological leadership in Europe, demonstrating that the combination of innovation, sustainability and human talent generates a positive and lasting impact on the economy, the community and the environment.