Marinha Grande, 11 February 2026. The Vidrala Group, a leading glass packaging manufacturer, immediately activated an extraordinary support plan for nearly one thousand direct and contractor employees, as well as their families, following the storm that struck the Leiria district on 28 January. With winds exceeding 210 kilometres per hour, the storm caused significant material damage and left Marinha Grande without critical supplies for both the population and industry, including electricity, water, communications and transport.
Marinha Grande is the world’s largest glass-producing region. Vidrala sustains 900 direct jobs, making it one of the largest employers in Leiria, while also generating a further 300 indirect jobs. Its contribution to the local economic fabric strengthens regional development and cohesion through the consolidation of a logistics hub, the prioritisation of local suppliers, contributions to local public revenues linked to its activity, and support for community events and initiatives.
Following Storm Kristin, the company consistently prioritised safety, people’s wellbeing and access to basic supplies through a range of measures, including a free canteen service for all Vidrala employees, the distribution of 13,000 litres of drinking water and more than 500 kilograms of fruit to take home, and the extension of factory shower access to families. It also donated thousands of metres of protective sheeting for damaged homes and temporary roof repairs, supplied diesel for employees’ cars, organised children’s activities, introduced internal flexibility arrangements to allow for family care and administrative matters, and coordinated a mental-health support workshop together with an advisory service for insurance and institutional procedures. If necessary, Vidrala will further reinforce its support, as this community deserves it.
In addition, Vidrala has led neighbourhood support through direct and regular engagement with public institutions, resulting in the provision of generators to restore essential municipal services, the donation of 6,000 roof tiles and further thousands of metres of protective sheeting for temporary roof repairs, and the voluntary provision of welding services as well as a forklift truck and driver. Vidrala has also made donations to local associations such as ADESER II, a private social-solidarity organisation, and remains in contact with them to promote complementary measures and volunteer actions supporting the community’s recovery in the short, medium and long term.
Glass made good
Vidrala operates two industrial facilities in Marinha Grande with annual production of 2.6 billion bottles. In recent years, the group has made significant investments in efficiency and sustainability projects across both the plants and the logistics warehouse. This industrial scale and investment effort consolidate Portugal as a strategic pillar within the group.
Despite sustaining material damage, the activation of contingency plans made it possible to maintain production activity at the plants and guarantee supply to customers. Vidrala expresses its gratitude for the professionalism and commitment of its workforce, whose decisive contribution enabled the swift return to normal operations.
Rui Santos, Director of Vidrala’s plants in Portugal, addressed his teams with the following words: “We know that, in Marinha Grande, we are living through one of the most difficult moments in our history. There are not enough words to express my gratitude for the dedication of every one of you. Your commitment to the company is the key factor enabling us to overcome all the challenges we have faced in recent days. I sincerely thank you for the professionalism, commitment and effort you have all shown in restoring normal operations, knowing that many of you were also affected in your own homes and belongings. Marinha Grande is not just the place where we work; it is the home of our people. Once again, thank you for your efforts and for being who you are, today more than ever.”