– For which purpose was Electrex created in 1946? What produced / distributed?
ELECTREX was created by João Rodrigues de Matos, initially dedicated to electrical installations, production for civil construction and various machines and starting from there the production of the first welding machines, being pioneer in Portugal.

– Do you currently maintain the initial business area?
In part, electrical installations, production for civil construction and various machines were soon abandoned, to focus 100% on the development and production of welding machines.

– What evolution has the company and the sector undergone in recent decades?
The introduction of inverter power sources, the automation and robotization of processes, more recently digitization within the scope of industry 4.0 and in terms of safety at work.

– Are all the products that Electrex sells produced by Electrex?
Most of it. Most of it. Everything we sell in terms of machines is our own manufacture, however we are also representatives for the national market of a brand of plasma cutting machines in the USA, Hypertherm, and others in the scope of oxyfuel welding and cutting. . We sell welding accessories and consumables, which we do not manufacture. In terms of sales volume, the products produced represent most sales.

– What is the export rate? For which countries?
The export rate is around 70% mainly for the French, Spanish, Belgian, Moroccan, Algerian and some Middle Eastern countries.

– Did the crisis in the construction sector affect the business?
Yes, we had a big drop in sales and problems with customer receipts. When designing the future and managing the present, we still have this crisis in mind and we take steps to reduce the impact of a new crisis on the company.

– Are there many competitors in the region? What aspects distinguish Electrex from these competing companies?
At European level, some. The tendency is for European producers to subcontract production, where ELECTREX has a business opportunity even if it is to produce on an OEM basis. ELECTREX is distinguished by the reliability of its products, short delivery times and excellence in terms of after-sales service.

– How did 2018 went, in terms of turnover, compared to the last few years?
2018 was the best year ever in the history of ELECTREX. There was an increase in our business volume of around 30%, we diversified our export markets, we bet on the acquisition of new production equipment and we created more jobs to meet the growth of customer orders.

– And what are the perspectives for 2019?
The prospects for 2019 are for growth, however, as we said, always prepared for a potential slowdown or stagnation of the Portuguese and/or European economy. We intend to renew our facilities and invest in new products and services.

– This sector needs a lot of research and development. Is it easy to get qualified personnel to develop new products? And undifferentiated labor need and is it easy to get?
Our human resources at the R&D level are 100% made up of students graduated from the University of Aveiro. It is not easy, but with a university like Aveiro nearby, it is possible. At the level of undifferentiated labor, the offer is large, making it easier to hire.