The plant was founded in 1962 and began operations in 1964 with the production of Citroën2CV (AZL). José Coelho dos Santos, a Portuguese industrialist, purchased a license to manufacture automobiles in 1962, which was later acquired by Citroën. Its first vehicle was the model AZL, popularly known as Citroën 2CV. They produced 472 cars that year.[4]
The millionth car produced at the plant was manufactured in 2012.[5]
Timeline
1963: Purchase of 12130 m2. The factory covered an area of 8,150 m2.
1964: First vehicle, the Citroën AZL.
1967: Purchase of land for the Administration building (Accounting and Administrative Management).
1969: Production reached 10 vehicles per day, across multiple models: AZL, AZU, AK, H, AMY, DS, AY and MHA.
1976: Production reached 35 vehicles day (4 models).
1980: Existing warehouse area increased, purchase and construction of a parking area for customs-cleared vehicles and construction of Surface Treatment (TTS) and Anti-Corrosion Treatment (Trempé Epoxy).
1984: Increased warehouse space. Fatal fire, on May 3, in the building of upholstery and wiring.
1987: Twenty-fifth anniversary. Major Citroën reorganization.
1990: Manufacture of AX and production of 50 vehicles per day. Installations for wiring and fitting and installation of a new and better anti-corrosion system: the "Cataphorèse". In July, production of the last 2cv.[6]
1994: New upholstery section.
1995: Renewal of Painting with the construction of the primary greenhouse. Certified by UTAC with the classification of A95.
1996: Creation of the 2nd Team. Beginning of Citroën Saxo production.
1998: Production of 1st Generation Citroën Berlingo and Peugeot Partner
2000: Third shift
2001: Gold medal of the city of Mangualde.
2002: New painting retouching boxes. Construction of the Bout d'Usine building.
2003: Transfer of administrative services and canteen to a new building. Construction of the Bout d'Usine / Pier Hardware / Line Engines.
