This project falls within the IS Qualification Rules for SMEs - the classification system of incentives and internationalisation of SMEs, in particular, investment projects promoted by individual companies in accordance with subparagraph a) of paragraph 1, Article 6 of the same Regulation.

Project No.: 2008/2099

Promoter: Castros – iluminações Festivas, SA

Implementation Deadline: 16 April 2008 to April 15, 2010

Total Eligible Investment: € 87,572.12

Project Description: In order to remain ahead, Castro has planned a set of investments to improve its innovative capacity and productivity. To that end, an application for investment support under the NSRF - SME Qualification was submitted. The implementation of the project ended last year on 15 April.

To achieve the objectives we set for ourselves, we have made an extensive line of action, covering several types of investment.

Industrial Property: The plan was to register the company's creations at the National Institute of Industrial Property, which was completed in full.

Development and engineering products, services and processes: The creation of a laboratory for research and development will generate new products and the implementation of new processes. There has been a restructuring of existing spaces, and the investment made under this project focused primarily on refurbishing the laboratory with technology, allowing us to test new solutions in illumination and decoration, ensuring their success and safety.

Organisation and management and information technologies and communication: An investment in the organisation and management of production and logistics involved in the use of new technology was also planned. The improvements that were introduced by the new solution are already significant, both in terms of planning and management of production and all associated logistics. This investment turns out to be just the beginning because now that new tools are in place we look forward to further innovation on the road to excellency and sophistication.

Quality: The implementation of a quality management system based on the NP EN ISO 9001:2008 standard was planned. The process was initiated and successfully completed. Efficiency gains are evident in the organisation, both in terms of cost and the organisation of all internal processes.

Innovation: The creation of the laboratory was planned bearing in mind the development and implementation of innovative processes in the construction of illuminative elements, using energy saving systems and new materials. Networks, the use of new polymers, stimulation of other senses (smell), and other effects (artificial snow) are examples of new materials and innovations introduced to the market in which we work. And we do not intend to stop there.

Social responsibility, health and safety at work: The investment included the delivery of training to employees in order to enhance the skills of the organisation’s human resources. The result of the training activities carried out was visible on the ground, and its success can also be proven by the satisfaction of employees, which is annually evaluated by the company.