Agratil Invests Steadily, Hatches Plans to Increase Export
January 5, 2001
Milheirós, Maia (Portugal) —Established in 1962, upholstery and decorative fabrics manufacturer Agratil has been quietly but steadily investing in machinery and developing its export markets.
Perhaps best known for its jacquard upholstery qualities, Agratil also produces velvets and prints — all for the middle to top end of the market.
Managing director José Manuel Quelhas Dias said business in 2000 had increased a little compared with the previous year. "Now, it is not bad at all," he said. "The middle of the year was quiet, but the second half showed some improvement.
"A few years ago, the situation for Portuguese fabric producers was difficult with everybody holding large stocks. In addition, the local market was suffering from the activities of aggressive competitors, who were more concerned with price than quality. Thankfully, things have improved since."
With 70 employees and designs that range from the classic to the modern, Agratil has been exporting for around seven years.
Overseas sales now account for 30% of turnover, principally to Scandinavia, followed by France and Spain.
"Of course, we would also like to develop the U.S. market, where we see good potential for special qualities," said Quelhas Dias.
The near-capacity production of 1 million meters a year is woven on the company's 50 weaving machines (36 jacquard and 14 velvet looms), with most fabrics produced in double width (2.80 meters).
Quelhas Dias said that fabrics destined to Scandinavia or the U.S. market, for example, were often 1.40 meters wide.
Agratil's output is mostly for its own collection, although it can customize fabrics for customers if required.
Residential products account for about 90% of turnover. But with improved flame-retardant treatments and special finishing processes now available, Agratil is developing a new contract collection for launch at Heimtextil 2001.
Quelhas Dias said that Agratil recently received the ISO 9002 quality certificate and has also been awarded the ISO 14001 environmental standard.
"We will continue to invest in the future, particularly in machinery and developing new markets. And perhaps in 3-4 years, exports will represent 50% of our turnover."
• A. Agratil Indústria Téxtil Lda, Rua 1 de Maio, 68 - Agra, Milheirós - Apartado 5010, 4471-904 Maia, Portugal. Tel: 351 22 961 9860. Fax: 351 22 961 9879. E-mail: ait@agratil.com. Internet: www.agratil.com. Heimtextil: Hall 9.2 Stand B8.
Perhaps best known for its jacquard upholstery qualities, Agratil also produces velvets and prints — all for the middle to top end of the market.
Managing director José Manuel Quelhas Dias said business in 2000 had increased a little compared with the previous year. "Now, it is not bad at all," he said. "The middle of the year was quiet, but the second half showed some improvement.
"A few years ago, the situation for Portuguese fabric producers was difficult with everybody holding large stocks. In addition, the local market was suffering from the activities of aggressive competitors, who were more concerned with price than quality. Thankfully, things have improved since."
With 70 employees and designs that range from the classic to the modern, Agratil has been exporting for around seven years.
Overseas sales now account for 30% of turnover, principally to Scandinavia, followed by France and Spain.
"Of course, we would also like to develop the U.S. market, where we see good potential for special qualities," said Quelhas Dias.
The near-capacity production of 1 million meters a year is woven on the company's 50 weaving machines (36 jacquard and 14 velvet looms), with most fabrics produced in double width (2.80 meters).
Quelhas Dias said that fabrics destined to Scandinavia or the U.S. market, for example, were often 1.40 meters wide.
Agratil's output is mostly for its own collection, although it can customize fabrics for customers if required.
Residential products account for about 90% of turnover. But with improved flame-retardant treatments and special finishing processes now available, Agratil is developing a new contract collection for launch at Heimtextil 2001.
Quelhas Dias said that Agratil recently received the ISO 9002 quality certificate and has also been awarded the ISO 14001 environmental standard.
"We will continue to invest in the future, particularly in machinery and developing new markets. And perhaps in 3-4 years, exports will represent 50% of our turnover."
• A. Agratil Indústria Téxtil Lda, Rua 1 de Maio, 68 - Agra, Milheirós - Apartado 5010, 4471-904 Maia, Portugal. Tel: 351 22 961 9860. Fax: 351 22 961 9879. E-mail: ait@agratil.com. Internet: www.agratil.com. Heimtextil: Hall 9.2 Stand B8.
