Vapesol Invests €1.5 Million in New SBR Rubber Sole Unit with Industry 4.0 Technology

Vapesol, Portugal's foremost manufacturer of footwear soles, has announced a significant strategic move through a commercial agreement with Tecnirolo/Lary Portugal. This partnership is set to establish a state-of-the-art SBR rubber sole production unit. The initiative, backed by an investment of €1.5 million, underscores Vapesol's commitment to innovation and expanding its manufacturing capabilities. This development follows Vapesol's recent publication of its Sustainability Report, created in collaboration with the Portuguese Footwear Technology Centre (CTCP), highlighting a broader focus on advanced and responsible manufacturing practices.

The new production unit is projected to commence operations by February of next year, with an impressive daily output capacity of 5,000 pairs of SBR rubber soles. A defining feature of this new venture is its embrace of cutting-edge manufacturing techniques. All rubber production will exclusively utilize 100% injection moulding, accommodating both single and two-colour designs. This marks a departure from the conventional compression moulding method, signaling a significant technological leap for Vapesol. The innovative processes employed are designed to meet rigorous requirements for comprehensive monitoring, fully aligning with the principles of Industry 4.0.

This ambitious project is being implemented as a phased process. Vapesol has already initiated production, with continuous improvements slated for gradual integration until mid-February of the coming year. Décio Pereira, CEO of Vapesol, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating that it "will be a major new development at the largest international trade fair for footwear components," underscoring its expected impact on the global market.

According to APICCAPS (Associação Portuguesa dos Industriais de Calçado, Componentes, Artigos de Pele e seus Sucedâneos), Tecnirolo/Lary Portugal brings two decades of experience in the rubber market to the partnership, positioning them as a leader in implementing this advanced technology. This expertise is crucial for ensuring greater production efficiency and significantly lower scrap rates. Furthermore, APICCAPS highlighted that the technology introduced by Tecnirolo/Lary Portugal is anticipated to substantially reduce the labor required during the crucial stages of rubber preparation and injection, thereby streamlining the entire manufacturing process.