Brandão & Monteiro, Lda was founded in 1969 by its partners, Alberto Martins Brandão and José Monteiro.

Starting to produce mattresses in 1970 in rented installations, the company's daily output came to between 35 and 40 mattresses, with a workforce of 12.

As of 1982, the mattress industry was hit by a market crisis. It was mostly owed to over-production and the market having become very competitive, and that it had shrunk. In light of that, the company decided to reorganize, by restructuring and taking on the export market. It chose Spain as its preferential market, although it is a very demanding one in terms of quality and competitive prices. Nevertheless, we felt it presented a secure opportunity to confront the difficulties the market was experiencing.

In the wake of a fire at our facilities work came to halt. However, we recovered from that fairly quickly and some 4 months later were operating normally. Seeing it as somewhat of an opportunity, we then invested in state-of-the-art equipment. With that move we were able to increase production, giving us a better chance of growth, especially in Spain.

Initially, our commercial strategy was underpinned by distributors and large wholesalers. A strategy we have since gradually changed. We have done that mostly by broadening the territorial areas we cover in the country, favoring marketing through independent sales people and others selling on commission.

We have also created training and marketing programs to promote our products on the market.

Brandão & Monteiro was awarded the "PME Excelência Indústria" prize in 1997 and 1998. In 1995, we were also chosen to take part in "Europartenariat Portugal", proving our company's importance in the sector.

Brandão & Monteiro spring mattresses were considered the "Right Choice" by Proteste, the DECO (consumer rights organization) magazine.

Moreover, in June 2000 we were certified by the Portuguese Institute of Quality according to NP EN ISSO 9002 —Quality Systems. A model of guaranteed quality in production and after-sales service.

Today, three things have made Brandão & Monteiro a success. The quality of its product. Investment in new technologies. Customer satisfaction.