ABOUT US

Quality on multiple fronts

Founded in 1979 by José Areal, Areal & Torres is today the oldest garment manufacturing company in Trofa. Over the years, it has adapted and positioned itself in the mid-to-high-end market, exporting almost 100% of its production, while collaborating with Portuguese companies that value Portuguese reliability and precision. Workforce quality, product innovation and careful management are key differentiators.

Areal & Torres

Since its foundation, Areal & Torres has remained in the same facilities in S. Martinho de Bougado, Trofa, with 11,000 m² of total area and 4,000 m² of covered area. It started with 12 employees and 9 agents spread across mainland Portugal and the islands, dedicated to jeans production, and even launched its own brand, Ervo's Original.

Over time, as Joana Areal, the founder’s daughter and part of the management since 2001, explains, it became evident that the company had more to offer. In the 1990s, a strategic shift began, with the company also focusing on production for private labels.

  • 1979Foundation

  • 1994Focus on export

  • 2001Family succession

  • 2020Technological innovation

Production structure and technology

Attuned to the pace of market innovation, Areal & Torres gradually renewed its machinery fleet, incorporating modern technology that made it possible to work with new fabrics such as cotton, wool cloth, microfiber and polyester, and to transition from jeans to jackets. Today, it has 70 employees, exports almost 100% of its production and continues to invest in innovation.

It has 200 machines that allow work ranging from leather applications to sealed seams, laser cutting and microfibers with knitted collars. The company is prepared for techniques involving fabric blends and works for the mid-to-high-end segment, ensuring meticulous attention to each piece.

Specialization and export

Jackets, trench coats, wool coats, skirts, dresses and trousers for men, women and children are the most produced items, with specialization in specific areas. “We were told that down-filled jackets were not made in Portugal, and we make them,” says Joana Areal. Trench coats with sealed seams are another product in high demand.

Currently, 80% of production goes to the United Kingdom, but the company has been expanding relationships with USA, Sweden and the Netherlands, and studying new markets such as Poland.

Areal & Torres is a success story sustained by rigorous quality control, on-time delivery, strong succession management and structured growth.

“Our clients believe it is possible to produce quality textiles in Portugal. We want to keep growing well and slowly, and perhaps that is why we are the oldest garment manufacturing company in Trofa.”

- Joana Areal