23.10.2003
Opel Portugal's plant celebrates 40 Years and welcomes the President of the Republic

Opel Portugal's plant in Azambuja celebrated yesterday its 40th anniversary with an official visit of the Portuguese President of the Republic, Mr. Jorge Sampaio, and other national authorities. Mark Goncalves, Managing Director of Opel Portugal, guided the visitors through the production line which was modernized in 2001 to start the production of the Combo. The program included the inauguration of a special "40 Years" plate placed under the centenary pine tree of the garden, one of the symbols of Azambuja's plant. Exactly 40 years ago, the original layout of the plant had been burried in the very same place during the inauguration event in 1963.

Mark Goncalves, President Sampaio and Mr. Joaquim Ramos, the Mayor of Azambuja, were the speakers at a ceremony that was attended by all 2nd shift workers. Mr. Sampaio mentioned that his first car was an Opel Kadett, bringing a friendly smile to the faces of all 400 Opel members listening to his speech. The President referred to Opel Portugal as «a reference to the Portuguese industry.» Mr. Sampaio added: «This plant cares for a lot of aspects that I personally have been valuing a lot - technology, continuous improvement, qualified people, safety and environment. These are essential elements in a modern corporate culture looking into the future».

In his speech, Opel Portugal's Managing Director, Mark Goncalves, stated: «In a global competitive environment, our existence as a company depends on what we are capable to do, and implement it through a continuous improvement process, with better quality, higher productivity, more agility and flexibility».

Opel Portugal is the sole GM operation producing the Combo, exporting it to around 50 countries all over the world under Opel, Vauxhall, Chevrolet and Holden badges. The plant is the second largest car manufacturer in Portugal, accounting for more than 30 per cent of the local automotive production.