Pedro Carreira, chairman of Continental Mabor, has emphasized the urgent need for a bypass to the EN14 highway to facilitate the expansion of the company’s Vila Nova de Famalicão tire factory. The facility, which employs over 2,800 workers, plays a key role in Portugal’s industrial output.
During a visit from the Minister of Economy, Carreira highlighted how delays in the construction of the bypass have forced Continental Mabor to postpone and cancel several projects. “We’ve been unable to utilize certain areas for years because the final route hasn’t been defined. This has held back our growth,” Carreira stated.
The bypass, a €12.5 million investment that includes a new bridge over the Ave River, aims to alleviate traffic congestion caused by the 400–500 trucks passing daily on the outdated EN14 road. Completion is expected by August 2025, but Carreira remains skeptical. “Until it’s finished, I won’t believe it. If this project stalls, it would be a national crime,” he remarked.
Despite these challenges, Continental Mabor continues to innovate, with a €60 million investment in automated tire storage aimed at improving operator ergonomics. The project is slated for completion in early 2026.
In 2023, the factory achieved €1.3 billion in sales, producing 19 million tires annually, with 99% exported to 70 countries. The bypass project is seen as essential for sustaining and expanding this success.
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