Soprema Announces Over €100 Million Investment in New Ribatejo Factories
The French group Soprema, a global manufacturer of waterproofing and insulation solutions, has announced a major investment of more than €100 million in Portugal. The new funding will be directed towards its industrial facilities in the Ribatejo region, involving the expansion of its current unit in Alpiarça and the construction of a new factory in Almeirim.
In a formal statement, the company, which has a global turnover exceeding €5 billion, detailed that this “new cycle of industrial investment” is designed to significantly boost its production capabilities. “With this project, Soprema aims to increase its production capacity, support the growth of international markets, and consolidate its position as a reference in technical solutions for the construction sector,” the announcement read. The group also noted that the close geographical location of the two factories will enable an “integrated and efficient approach” that aligns with its strategic goals for Southern Europe.
This investment follows a previous announcement made by Soprema in April regarding the construction of another industrial unit in the Santarém district, which will be dedicated to producing thermal insulation materials. The combined projects represent a substantial strengthening of the supply chain for Portugal’s construction industry, providing locally manufactured, essential building materials.
The Soprema investment is a highlight in a strong trend of French corporate activity in Portugal. Official data from the National Statistics Institute (INE) shows that France is the third-largest foreign direct investor in the country and the largest foreign employer, responsible for over 100,000 jobs. The stock of French FDI in Portugal currently stands at approximately €16.6 billion.
This trend extends beyond the industrial sector and into the heart of the capital’s corporate landscape. The article also reports that the French banking group BPCE is set to open a new competence center for its Natixis brand in the Lisbon area. This new office will be located in Moscavide, near the Gare do Oriente transport hub, and is planned to be operational by the first quarter of 2026. This expansion complements the existing Natixis center in Porto and is expected to bring hundreds of skilled jobs to the Lisbon metropolitan area.
The dual investments from Soprema in manufacturing and BPCE in financial services underscore the diverse appeal of Portugal to major international companies. The commitment from Soprema provides a critical boost to the construction sector’s infrastructure, while the expansion of Natixis in Lisbon will directly fuel the demand for residential and commercial real estate as it attracts new talent to the city. The projects signal strong confidence in Portugal’s economic environment and its strategic importance in Europe.
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