Our know-how is the ability to act on the raw material (yarn) and transform it into the essential tool (finished fabric) for designers and brands worldwide.
The production line combines innovation and our interpretation of trends in the textile world. We focus on the needs of today’s consumers and everything they want for their physical and mental well-being.
Our CREATIVE HUB is committed to creating knitwear using state-of-the-art technology. It also differentiates itself by constantly researching and investing in fibres that enhance quality, environmental awareness, and added value.
Our knitwear is the creative tool that allows brands and designers to develop timeless and functional garments, solving the problems and needs of today’s consumers.
THESE ARE THE SKILLS OF OUR TEXTILE ARTISANS.
In this edition, we interviewed António Cardoso, Head of Production at Trimalhas, who has led the weaving mill since the company was founded. We also interviewed Tiago Cunha, who has worked in production for over 15 years. His constant development has led him to become Chief Tuner and António Cardoso’s right-hand man. They represent two generations that intersect and lead their functions. We learned more about their operation and career over the last 22 years.
António Cardoso, you have worked at Trimalhas for 22 years. Looking back, how do you describe the company’s evolution?
My view of the company is that, over the years, it has never stopped investing in technology and innovation. I remember when we started with nine machines in a pavilion that was still much smaller than the one we have on our premises today. Over time, we’ve grown and acquired new machines that have enabled us to provide our customers with all kinds of solutions. Currently, our machines have a very high technical capacity, allowing us to create unique knits on the market.
But Trimalhas’ biggest commitment is to its people because they make the company unique. You can buy machines, but you can’t buy people. This is undoubtedly the most challenging part because it’s up to us to attract people and make them want to be part of this project. The unity of our community leads us to achieve good results.
How does the company invest in people and their development?
Trimalhas invests with good salaries and, whenever possible, with annual bonuses. We are focused on giving employment grants to workers with high performance and rigour for our production line. Our profession is dedicated to people who are passionate about what they do. To operate in textile production, you need to have the technical knowledge and a great capacity for precision and rigour in every procedure.
Our greatest success stories involve people who started their careers here, and over time, with their personal growth and development, have risen to other positions of great responsibility. Our job is beautiful and necessary, and I believe in embracing its purpose.
What is your great passion here? What drives you?
My greatest passion at Trimalhas is my involvement with machines and knitwear. I love developing complex knits and seeing the result: a product of excellence, high quality, and design.
What about the people? Do they love it?
Of course they do. However, I confess it’s a challenge. I’ve studied people a lot to understand them and to be able to deal with them better. Machines are easy to deal with, we can understand their needs and how to handle them. As for people, the truth is that managing emotions is a real challenge.
Back to the machines. What is Trimalhas’ production capacity?
Our Textile Park currently consists of 59 machines. Each machine can produce 300 kilos of knitwear daily, an average of 15,000 to 20,000 tonnes.
In your perspective, what is Trimalhas’ differentiating factor?
Undoubtedly, the people and professionals we have here help the company become competitive every day with their know-how and vision. We want to be at the forefront, among the best, with a sustainable product and a service that sets us apart.
Another aspect to emphasise is that our machines allow us to produce with extreme quality, giving us a speedy response time, which is undoubtedly a differentiating factor in today’s textile market.
What kind of knits does Trimalhas develop?
We develop all types of knitwear in the circular knitwear market. We produce classic knitwear which, from a design point of view, we classify as ESSENTIALS due to its timeless quality. We produce Jerseys, Ribs, Interlocks, Jaquards, and knitwear with all kinds of raw materials, including recycled and biodegradable ones. Today, we make our products with timelessness and longevity in mind.
Jaquards are Trimalhas’ speciality from both a design and production point of view. This symbiosis between departments is crucial because inspiration and creation are fundamental to realising the operation of the know-how of craftsmen and machines. It’s hard to explain when sight and touch can capture the essence of our product.
Tiago, you’ve been part of Trimalhas for almost 18 years. You’ve grown and evolved on our production line. How do you see the company after so long?
I joined Trimalhas at a very young age, right at the start of my professional career, and, looking back, the company has grown and evolved immensely. When I joined the company, it was in a small hall with 21 machines. Over the years, the company has invested and we now have three new pavilions.
Is the company committed to Human Resources?
It is. The company gives us great working conditions and tools so we can carry out our operations and create a good product. In the past, we had only a small pavilion where we did everything and it was hard to work there. That’s not the case now. Trimalhas has a section for each process.
Let me explain: we have a room for cleaning a cylinder.
When we need to select needles, we have another room for that function and a detailed organization. Another aspect we value a lot as workers is the brightness, the smoke extraction, and having clean air inside the company facilities, which is very uncommon in textile companies, as well as the beautiful outdoor space, which allows us to relax.
The air conditioning we have in the company is essential not only for our health as workers but also for the quality of the product. Trimalhas has invested thousands of euros in this and the result is reflected in the quality and durability of our product. This investment is also the result of excellent management and business vision. The technical knowledge we have about our machines and raw materials also comes into play here. It takes many years of experience with machines to know how to handle them with precision.
How has Trimalhas allowed you to evolve?
I joined Trimalhas on the 26th of September 2006. I’ll never forget that date, because it was my first job.
The company allows me to evolve through the tools it gives me. It’s up to me to give myself to the goal and to know how to take advantage of the opportunities I’m given. Working closely with António Cardoso makes me evolve and feel that there is something new to do with him daily. I owe all my know-how to him and I think I still have a lot to learn to reach his level of knowledge.
What impact does your work have on Trimalhas? Your work is art. Do you realise that?
Yes, I do. My work and that of my colleagues. If we don’t do our job properly, the rest of the work won’t go well for my colleagues. I think that our work as tuners has an added responsibility because if we put the wrong thread in, all the productive work will go wrong and cause damage. Our work starts with the tuners but then goes through the machinery technician, verification, planning, and so on. There has to be responsibility and technical knowledge in the work we do and we have to identify the quality of the product in all its production processes and whether the fabric has reached the required weight. We’re a team and we all have the same teaching base:
The company has taught us to be rigorous, excellent professionals and always to add value.
How does it feel to tune several looms a day?
I do a lot of needlework and tune the machine. My job is to make sure it works properly every day. I have to be able to read the situation and operate. I love what I do, which is being around the machines and having the challenge of solving different situations every day. Being around the machines allows me to do various things every day.
Are you happy here?
I’m very happy. I feel great here. What motivates me is working with António Cardoso and learning from him every day. He knows a lot and that motivates me. It’s about knowing how to experiment and deal with situations. It’s unrivalled knowledge. I want to be like that.