Coloplast has inaugurated its largest manufacturing facility to date in Felgueiras, Portugal, following an investment of approximately €100 million. The new 50,000-square-metre site will expand production capacity for continence care products, supporting the company’s international growth and long-term ambition to help four million people worldwide.
New Factory Strengthens European Manufacturing
The two-storey facility represents a significant milestone in Coloplast’s manufacturing strategy, providing additional capacity to meet growing global demand for continence care products. Production is already underway, with the site expected to employ more than 800 people in the region over time.
Construction began in summer 2024, following planning that started in 2021. In just over two years, Coloplast completed the facility, established a workforce of more than 300 people and brought production online.
Portugal Attracts Major Manufacturing Investment
Coloplast selected Portugal for its skilled workforce, competitive operating costs and position within Europe, where the company serves a substantial proportion of its users. Establishing the new site also allows the business to diversify its European manufacturing footprint, which has historically been concentrated in Hungary.
Access to renewable electricity and Portugal’s ambition to achieve carbon neutrality by 2045 were additional considerations in the decision. These factors supported the country’s appeal as a location for long-term industrial investment.
Supporting Jobs and Regional Growth
The Portuguese Trade & Investment Agency, AICEP, played an active role in helping Coloplast establish its new manufacturing operation in Felgueiras.
AICEP President Ana Casaca described the investment as a vote of confidence in Portugal’s ability to attract strategic industrial projects, particularly in medical devices, where advanced manufacturing, innovation and skilled employees are essential.
The facility is expected to contribute to regional employment and strengthen Portugal’s industrial ecosystem, while creating opportunities for further collaboration between Coloplast and local partners.
Expanding Global Production Capacity
Coloplast operates a global manufacturing network that includes high-volume production facilities in Hungary, China and Costa Rica, alongside specialised manufacturing operations in the United States, France, Germany, Sweden and Iceland. The company also maintains an innovation and pilot plant in Denmark.
With the Felgueiras facility now operational, Coloplast says it has sufficient manufacturing capacity to meet its targets for the current 2030 strategy period without building additional manufacturing sites.
The opening marks an important step in the company’s international growth, strengthening its ability to serve customers while investing in European manufacturing, skilled employment and long-term production capacity.
Source: Coloplast A/S.
Image: Coloplast A/S.