How EFSI benefits SMEs in Europe - Millennium BCP case study: Dominó (Portugal), Manufacturing floor tiles

Dominó Industrias Ceramicas was founded in September 1988. Located in the region of Coimbra, in the heart of the Portuguese ceramics industry, the company began by focusing on the manufacturing of floor tiles in white paste ceramics. Later on, in 1998, Dominó complemented its activity with the manufacture of wall tiles and floor tiles in hardline stoneware.

The company has a national network of distributors and is present in more than 60 countries, across five continents and is constantly developing at all levels. They started producing 3 000 m2 of stoneware/day, and now produce more than 12 000 m²/day of different types of floor and wall tiles.

Dominó has a commitment to looking ahead to the future, continuously investing in the most advanced technologies and staff training. Innovation and design are structural values of the organization. They are also indispensable in this particular industry. The company recently participated in an award-winning consortium working on the Solar Tiles project, an innovative photovoltaic project involving nanotechnology, and focusing on the development of photovoltaic solar systems in ceramic roofing and coating, using solar energy to produce electricity.

The emphasis on innovation, research and development is key, and Dominó is constantly pushing the boundaries and improving its products. The introduction, for example, of digital decoration technology, has allowed for the use of larger and higher resolution graphics. Looking ahead, further improvements to optimise performance and capacity in equipment like the pressing tools and the kiln, remains an ongoing challenge.

Securing an EIF-backed loan through Millennium BCP has allowed Dominó to continue to invest in innovative design solutions for their products, constantly pursuing new ideas and processes, and adjusting effectively to fast-moving markets. This support came under the Investment Plan for Europe, which aims to generate new investments by facilitating access to finance for European small and medium-sized enterprises just like Dominó.

Company: Dominó Industrias Ceramicas (Portugal)

Type of business: manufacturing; floor tiles

EIF financing: InnovFin SMEG, EFSI

For further information abiout EIF intermediaries in Portugal, please refer to:
http://www.eif.org/what_we_do/where/pt