Herdmar – Forcell USA

THE COMPANY

With over 100 years of existence, Herdmar is one of the biggest producers of table cutlery in the world, with recognized merits everywhere, bringing to the market a distinct philosophy of democratic design which aims to present cutlery pieces as fashion items for the table.

Present in 72 countries, with the promise of “dressing the tables”, all the productive process goes on in Caldas das Taipas, Guimarães (north of Portugal), where the third generation of the Marques family is now at the helm of the direction, standing up for excellence, creativity and innovation on this traditional business in the region.

With a maximum production capacity of more than 100.000 pieces/day, and a team of more than 130 collaborators, Herdmar undertakes to ensure the continuity of the values that led the company to success along their already long-life history.

IDENTITY

– MISSION –

Value creation through the features of our products, is the main reason of our existence. We propose to produce pieces of excellence, beyond their obvious functional utility, becoming true fashion accessories at the table, where the design links tradition to the current trends, resulting in contemporary elements.

Through the trust deposited in professional relationships, our business partners are active members in our history, strongly contributing to our continuous development.

– VISION –

We pretend to be a world reference as cutlery producer strongly helping to the area development and differentiation.

Characterized by a strong cultural absorption, we play in all of our work the “know-how” acquired in more than one hundred years of experience in the production of table cutlery. Innovation, design and quality are concepts that define our guidelines which drive our professional relationships into a more personal and lasting character.

VALUES

– QUALITY –

We invest heavily in product and service quality, ensuring a complete satisfaction and matching our costumer’s expectations.

– DESIGN –

It’s what distinguishes us. Each piece means a story, a moment or a personality, and it’s the result of an investment made along its development, allowing each of the lines to arise smoothly in a logical way.

The diversity of finishes that we provide, give each item a personal charisma, suitable for specific occasions, transforming the table into a real catwalk.

– INNOVATION –

It’s in our DNA, we do persistently risk looking to bring to our operating markets useful and differentiating elements that add the value required to excel in a remarkable way.

– TRADITION –

We know the road we have traveled far and we do recognize its importance keeping us faithful to our principles promoting a continuous and sustainable grow.

– SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY –

We act on this way, keeping the active concept, with knowledge that it is our duty to contribute to the society improvement through a conduct guided by environmental concerns and a policy of integrated and sustainable development.

– PEOPLE AS MOST AVLUABLE ASSET –

Human resources are the reason of our success, as such we seek a constant development of their skills, often providing an evolution of our organization and improved our performance as a company.

HISTORY

It’s the Business beginning with a capital of $50 in 1911, and being established over 8 years on rudimentary facilities leased a mill on the banks of Ave River, with the aim of producing solely knives.

In 1919, Installation of the plant in its own headquarters in Caldas das Taipas, which at the time was selling items of cutlery with the brand “marca 11” – year of foundation of the company.

Death of the founder Manuel Marques and succession of his sons Abel and Jose Marques, in the direction of the company. This phase is marked by the onset of a new guideline, where investments and improvement of working conditions were the “north”.

As a result of accession to the EU market, a strong increase in demand originated mostly by foreign customers, which led to a large increase in sales volume, consistently instilling a fundamental acquisition of “know-how” occurs.

Based on the philosophy of sustainable development, Herdmar is now present in over 72 countries with an export rate of approximately 90% of its production and annual turnover estimated at € 7,000,000.

At present, the 4th generation of the family already carries labor functions in order to feed this project launched in 1911 by a man who saw behind his field of vision.