Portocork Unveils Napa Facility
Portocork America unveiled its new 55,000 square foot facility in Napa Valley yesterday.
Located on Gateway Road East in the south Napa Gateway business park, it houses Portocork’s North America headquarters. Portocork acquired property in August 2016, commenced construction in the summer of 2017, moved into the new facility in November and completed the facility in February.
The facility increases usable square footage by roughly a third, housing an operation that includes 43 employees under one roof. Designed by RMW Architecture & Interiors chief Architect Jeff Leonhardt with project management from Jones and Lamberti Builder, it was constructed by AP Thomas construction.
“We’ve greatly expanded our capabilities,” Portocork America president and CEO Dustin Mowe said. “We’ve upgraded many things, including our equipment and processes.”
Yesterday’s inaugural ceremony included brief remarks by Maria João Lopes Cardoso, Consul General of Portugal, who discussed economic ties between Portugal and California.
Napa County Supervisor Alfredo Pedroza attended too, saying Napa is fortunate to have businesses such as Portocork investing in the area. He congratulated Portocork for “successfully managing the triple jurisdictional trifecta” of American Canyon for water services, the Napa Sanitation District for sanitation services, and the County of Napa.
Antonio Amorim, chairman and CEO of Portocork’s parent company Corticeira Amorim, the largest world producer of cork products, said the facility reflects a commitment to continuing to grow and to support U.S. clients.
“We have a positive view about the evolution of the American wine market,” Mr. Amorim said. “The high-end growth with people drinking less but better represents a good basis for additional growth for cork and our winery customers.”
“Portocork will bring a robust proposition to you with faster, closer and more reliable service,” he said. “We thank you for your confidence, and will do everything in our power to strengthen our relationship for many more years to come.”
Mr. Amorim noted that Portocork America has been producing natural cork since 1982, when interest rates hit 11.5 percent and the Dow Jones average was 24,000 points below where it sits today. He said a lot has since changed in the cork industry.
Portocork International was established in 1977 and is located in Santa Maria de lamas, Portugal.
Portocork America launched with the 1996 acquisition of FP Packaging, Mr. Amorim’s first deal as CEO of the closures division.
“Twenty years later, we are reaffirming our commitment to this incredible market,” Mr. Amorim said
