A leading company in the European metallic structures sector and number one in the Iberian Peninsula, Martifer has followed an internationalisation and diversification strategy leading to fast and sustained growth. Having started in the design, production and construction of metallic structures, the Group is also currently involved in a range of enterprises in the renewable energies.

Martifer commenced its activity in 19009 as a steel structures construction company, becoming the largest company in the sector in Portugal in a mere six years. Stainless steel and aluminium solutions became as integral part of its offering in 1996 and 1999 respectively. Geared towards larger works of greater complexity, Martifer Metallic Construction is expanding abroad, namely in Central Europe, Angola and Australia. The large portfolio of delivered works includes sports stadiums, airports, shopping centres, industrial facilities, bridges and buildings, amongst others.

Using the existing know-how in the Metallic Construction business area, the Group develops since 2004 the Energy Systems area. This area includes the production of components for wind power systems, including Repower Portugal, a joint venture with Repower Systems for the assembly of turbines in Portugal; Martifer Solar, with activities in the supply of solar photovoltaic systems and solar thermal installations; industrial engineering solutions for the production and storage of vegetable oils and biodiesel, namely for Prio; and the research and development of the Flow project, a new technology for harnessing of wave power.

In 2005, the group acquires 28% of the share capital of Repower Systems, one of the world’s largest wind power turbine producers, and currently holds a stake of about 22,5%. 

In 2007, in conjunction with the Indian group Suzlon, Martifer is successful in the bid launched over Repower Systems. Following an agreement with Suzlon, Martifer was able to extract an adequate value for its Repower stake as the Group agreed to sell this stake to Suzlon for €270Mn until May 2009.

Through Martifer Renewables, the Group owns and develops a portfolio of Electricity Generation assets from renewable energy sources, following a diversification approach to the development of renewable energy production assets across different technologies and different geographies, benefiting from the complementary activity in Energy Systems. The Group is present in the development of electricity production projects from wind power, solar photovoltaic and solar thermal power, hydro and wave power. The group has projects in production or development in countries like Portugal, Spain, Germany, Poland, Romania, United States of America, Australia and Brazil.

Through its 60% owned subsidiary Prio for the Agriculture & Biofuels business area,  the Group is present along the biodiesel value chain, namely the production of oilseeds in Romania, Brazil in Mozambique; the extraction of vegetable oils in a crushing unit currently under development in Romania; the production and sale of biodiesel, with two biodiesel production units in Portugal and Romania, each with 100 thousand tons per year capacity; and the retail and wholesale distribution of fuels in Portugal, including our own Prio branded petrol station network, aiming at establishing Prio as a top of mind brand a the result of the unique market positioning.

Innovation is an integral part of the Group’s strategy and through is Research and Development division is currently developing a innovative technology for harnessing wave energy (Flow project).

To finance its important investment plan in the different business areas, Martifer carried out its initial public offering (IPO) in June 2007, through a share capital increase. The company raised 199 million euros in this offering.

Considered one of the best places to work in Portugal, Martifer believes people make the difference in organizations. That is why it supports training and qualification of its human capital, reaching in excess of 4000 employees.

Internationalisation has been a constant part of the strategy of the Martifer Group. This process started in 1999 in Spain with the incorporation of Martifer Espanha. Today, the Group is present in over 20 countries in 5 continents. In 2009, the Group generated 606 million euros of consolidated revenues in its core areas.