Project 018323

• Project designation: SuptoHVAC (supplement to heating, ventilating and air conditioning) system inovation with technology and knowledge

• Project code: 018323

• Main objective: Strengthen the competitiveness of small and medium enterprises

• Intervention region: NORTE

• Beneficiary entity: NORTUFLEX - FABRICAÇÃO E REPRESENTAÇÃO DE TUBOS FLEXIVEIS UNIPESSOAL, LDA

• Approval date: 06-08-2016

• Start date: 02-09-2016

• Completion date: 01-09-2018

• Total eligible cost: 1.546.907,89 EUR

• European Union financial support: FEDER – 928.144,73 EUR

• Objectives, activities and expected/achieved results

This project is defined for a 24-month timeframe. It promotes increased installed capacity, production line development, redefinition of the production process, social inclusion, employment, prioritizes the creation of technically qualified jobs and greater alignment of NORTUFLEX with the scientific community. It also promotes innovation in the development of new products and their respective production with new functionalities and less waste, producing a lower effect on the ozone footprint.

It aims to achieve the following objectives:

A - Market Objectives: Increase installed capacity to boost National and International Turnover by 2020; Strengthen NORTUFLEX's image and its position in markets where it doesn't yet have shares or has lower shares; Solidify international relationships with distributors and major retailers; Internationally establish the company's competitive capacity contributing to increased national exports and market shares, improvement of the national balance, increased national productivity and generation of qualified employment.

B - Technological Objectives: Reduce production costs and times, acquire new equipment technologically consistent with the company's strategy to meet future and market challenges, with efficiency and effectiveness gains; Develop and innovate new products and solutions; Transform the experience of know-how and ideas into products and services that offer real value to NORTUFLEX customers.

C - Financial Objectives: Increase Turnover (National and International) by 2020 by approximately 89.13% compared to 2014.

In terms of investment, this project prioritizes tangible assets predominantly of a productive nature, aimed at producing significantly improved, tradeable and internationalizable goods, as well as improving the processes used in manufacturing products, since the planned investments in production technology present significant differences from current manufacturing processes. It should be noted that together with this project, the company submitted an application to the QI PME Individual Measure - notice 04/SI/2016, with AICEP (Application 20275) within which various actions are planned in the organizational and internationalization aspects, which has also been favorably decided by the Management Authority. This productive innovation project specifically aims to increase installed capacity for manufacturing and marketing aluminum and stainless steel products, namely rigid and flexible steel-stainless steel and aluminum tubes, especially intended for the construction sector. It involves carrying out several actions including: renovation works at the manufacturing facility, comprising preparation of the industrial building to receive and install new machines, optimization of available space for better redefinition of the factory floor layout, improvement of working conditions and safety for employees to provide them with greater concentration in the operations they are developing and greater comfort, and acquisition of various industrial machines and diverse electronic equipment to strengthen their competitive capacity and gather technological conditions to increase exports to various international markets at competitive prices and expand installed capacity in tube production, tradeable and internationalizable,