FAIST—the Agile, Intelligent, Sustainable, and Technological Factory— aims primarily to equip and enhance the footwear sector with innovative technologies, processes, and sustainable materials. This initiative seeks to increase agility in adapting to market demands and to transform Portugal’s footwear and leather goods industry into the most advanced in the international market.

Accordingly, last Friday, November 15, as part of the FAIST project, the Fernando Ferro & Irmão Group hosted the project’s first demonstration event at its facilities.  

The event featured remarks by Manuel Castro Almeida, Deputy Minister for Territorial Cohesion, and Luís Onofre, President of APICCAPS (Portuguese Association of Footwear, Components, Leather Goods, and Leather Substitutes Manufacturers). Next, Florbela Silva, the project coordinator, presented FAIST’s action plan, and Cristiano Figueiredo, a member of the Footwear Technology Center, gave a presentation on automation in the footwear industry.

The program also included a roundtable discussion featuring Albano Fernandes of AMF; Armindo Peixoto of ARMIPEX; Fernando Ferro, CEO of the Fernando Ferro & Irmão Group (DCSI PRO and TECHLASTS); and João Bernardo of MIND. The session concluded with remarks by Reinaldo Teixeira, President of the Portuguese Footwear Technology Center.

During the session, Fernando Ferro stated that “We develop everything from start to finish, and our production is highly technical. We work for various industries, including the footwear industry. For this sector, we manufacture lasts and molds for components, as well as the machines that create them.” The group’s CEO also notes that the company has the capacity to produce molds and forms for various types of footwear, including athletic and safety shoes. “Another important growth area is safety or work footwear: these are also highly technical shoes, and we want them to be not only functional but also comfortable and well-designed.”