EFANOR – Northern Manufacturing Company

Record

In times past, the national railway network chose Senhora da Hora, Matosinhos, to install one of the essential we rail links between Porto and the North Country, thereby contributing to the establishment of several companies.

It was around this centrality, a country still governed by the monarchy, was inaugurated in 1905, Efanor-Enterprise North Manufacturing, by businessman Delfim Pereira da Costa, being the first factory in Portugal to produce line of carts, why they called him ” Factory carts”. Later, this company was acquired by Manuel Pinto de Azevedo, large industrial and entrepreneur who introduced it a whole range of social innovations.

Despite the low wages, a disciplinary rule too tight and a production model based on labor-intensive, very normal thing in Salazar governance times, this large structure was one of the most important industrial units of the Grand Harbour, inclusive of the North of Portugal that, in the increased production times, been using search 3000 workers, It was considered the largest employer in Northern Portugal.

At the social level this company provided medical and medicinal assistance to its workers, even before the state make that commitment. Also had a childhood nursery and garden for about 140 children, dining areas and a huge canteen.

It is noteworthy that the greatness this plant has enabled a private fire department and starting in 5/10/1944, the construction of small economic housing for their workers. To encourage its maintenance the Company created annual competitions for “the house more florid”. This Workers Quarter was situated on the main avenue in front of the manufacturing plant (Of. North factory), but unfortunately was demolished in 1995/1996.

The company just recorded its first strike in 1958, not by labor reasons, but in solidarity against the arrest by the PIDE the company doctor, Manuel Teixeira Alley, known as "doctor of the poor".

Although this unit has terminated its activity in 1994, remains a symbol of the Senhora da Hora parish, as it has completely revolutionized the landscape and the way of life of its inhabitants.

It was totally demolished in 2007 and their land was built a great urbanization of residential condominiums and a College / Kindergarten. Only stood a small building and its industrial chimney, intended to build a museum pole to preserve the memory of this great industrial unit, will be an extension of the Serralves Foundation.

However, the living memory of this great unit remains well gift for anyone visiting the Commercial Norte Shopping Center, where visitors can enjoy some of the machines that were part of the Northern Manufacturing Company.

Until recently were also exposed one fire engine and ambulance this unique plant, but were removed from the Shopping Centre, possibly to be part of the collection of Belmiro de Azevedo Foundation, curiously took his first job in Efanor.

(Research Source: Internet and Blog Old Port)