The footwear factory has been based in Viana for 39 years and works directly for the group. Manuel Cândido, the company’s Finance Director in Portugal, recounted the history of the brand, which began in 1965 in the French town of Sarrebourg. “The brand was founded with a clear objective: to create the most comfortable footwear in the world by combining traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge technological innovations,” he explained.

At the time, Martin Michaeli used the savings he had accumulated in the United States to open a small factory in France with 30 employees.

In the mid-1970s, the “ORIGINALS” model, harmoniously combining fashion with contemporary design, propelled the brand to international recognition, helping it establish itself in markets including Germany, Austria, Belgium and Switzerland.

By 1975, MEPHISTO was already exporting 85% of its production. According to a company source, “footwear produced by MEPHISTO is available in around 86 countries across five continents and is sold through approximately 18,000 points of sale worldwide.”

In 1995, French President François Mitterrand awarded Martin Michaeli the insignia of Knight of the National Order of Merit. In 2000, President Jacques Chirac awarded him France’s highest distinction, the Legion of Honour.

In 1999, he was named Entrepreneur of the Year from among 11,000 independent entrepreneurs in France.

MEPHISTO established its operations in Viana do Castelo in 1987.

“The strategic decision to choose Portugal was based on the excellent skills of the workforce, the ability to respond quickly to small production runs and the logistical advantages for serving the European market,” he explained.

Today, the Neiva site also includes an official outlet store that is open to the public.

Martin Michaeli sent a message that was read out to the employees. Among his words, he said: “The work we have accomplished together, the challenges we have faced and the projects we have shared over the years have enriched my life. You have become my friends and, in a way, members of my family.”

The founder of the MEPHISTO Group added: “I want to tell you how proud I am of our company in Portugal, of each and every one of you, and of your daily commitment, dedication and involvement. Let us continue to share wonderful moments together and support one another, because that is what makes life truly worth living.”