Puibelle exports up to speed

Staff -- Home Textiles Today, 10/1/2001 12:00:00 AM

Puibelle

Maia, Portugal

Ceo: Fernando Cordeiro

Overseas commercial dir.: Vera Goncalves

Principal businesses: bedspreads, sheets, towels, duvet covers

Puibelle has been producing bedding and bath products for 20 years now, said Vera Goncalves, who oversees the commercial area, and it focuses on woven bedspreads, sheets, terry towels, duvet covers, throws, pillows and bathrobes. Its one facility in Portugal has the capability to weave, dye and print fabrics, as well as finish.

Though exporting began about 10 years ago, she said, it has only been in the past three years where that area has truly accelerated. Now about 60 percent of its product goes to export, mostly to Spain, the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Brazil, as well as to the United States

Approximately 20 percent of the total exports heads to the United States, she said, adding, "We hope to grow a lot more with the United States." To complement this increase, the company also hopes to develop new product lines specifically for the U.S. market.

At the moment, the company deals directly with U.S. clients for large orders. For smaller amounts, the DownTown Company, Wayne, NJ, distributes its line. The company does exhibit at the home textiles show in New York, as well as Casa Textil in Oporto; Textil Hogar, Valencia; Intergift, Madrid; and Fenatex in São Paulo.