António Alves — furniture company new identity
The reborn of an ancient and historical furniture company that intends to change the perception and value over furniture, building a new legacy for future generations.
The year of 2016 is a very important one for António Alves, as it means a new and refreshed start for the company.
A new mission and vision were created, maintaining the same values that have contributed to set this company as a reference since it’s beginning. One word is enough to define António Alves in more than 50 years of existence: Quality!
António Alves carries an extensive historical baggage that is not forgotten. In fact, we believe that all this experience and focus over the years has been a key ingredient in defining us as a leading furniture brand. The humble origin of António Alves dates back to 1954. In this time period, in Portugal, the family was focused on agricultural an pastoral work.. In the search for new and more comfortable ways to live, António Alves was built. For 13 years the company has been dedicated, almost exclusively, to the manufacture of chairs in national Eucalyptus wood, modifying the designs and materials as required by the clients. Since 1970 the company started to manufacture other pieces but was limited to a model of a room, a living room and an ark. This plan lasted until 1978. At that time, resellers pressured Antonio Alves to lower prices. The company declined, because they were already at very low margins. In retaliation resellers suspended all orders, leaving the company completely exposed.
Without resellers support, this was a critical stage and António Alves sought to react positively in the search for solutions that could solve the company’s financial problems. It was then that a completely pioneer idea came to mind: An exhibit truck was built from scratch, in which the whole line of furniture that the company produced was displayed. A route was made all over the country in order to make the company known as a commercial institution and showcase its work. With special emphasis on the regions of Lisbon and Algarve, in just five days, António Alves received more than 30 orders and returned to the path of production and expansion. It was a risky and unusual bet, but proved to be extremely effective as it allowed the company to get out of the difficult situation it was on. Later on and given the huge demand for our products, António Alves needed to invest in new technologies and articles.
In 1995, the current administrator prepared an application for productivity improvement with IAPMEI, allowing an exponential growth of the company, which made it the current António Alves. Base facilities had to be upgraded, new machines and technology were purchased and the number of employees increased to more than 50.
In 1999, António Alves participated for the first time in an International Fair in Cologne, Germany, and in the year 2000 participated in the second International Fair, Milan, Italy, with very interesting results. Being in a prominent place in the international market and with the company’s growth, new products have been developed and new markets achieved.
In 2000, the company was awarded the title of “PME Design 2000”, distinguished by the Portuguese Design Center.
In 2005 the company was awarded Gold medal to their stand in Vigo’s International Fair. The presence in high prestige fairs, both national and international, helped the company in its growth and allowed to show the values that underpin António Alves: quality, work and passion.
