Since 2011, Golfinho has been certified according to ISO 9001 by TUV, a german international certification organization. Golfinho has thus cemented its position in the global market, guaranteeing its customers products that comply with the most demanding quality control standards.
Through its innovation and development department, our group strives to improve products and develop new solutions. The aim is to meet the needs of an increasingly demanding market in terms of product quality and efficiency, based on real tests and testimonials, as well as careful technical analysis and a background of years of experience in the field.
Golfinho is equipped with the best and most sophisticated equipment to guarantee the standards set by the most demanding markets. These include a professional 3D printer capable of manufacturing large-format parts and an electromyography machine, which allows data and information to be obtained on the recording of muscle electrical activity.
A major focus for Golfinho is the production of personalized articles, either of its own design or adapted to the client's specifications.
With major investment in screen printing and sublimation, Golfinho is prepared to produce personalized items on a large scale.
With approximately 45 employees, spread across departments that form part of an organized structure, the Golfinho Group relies on a set of qualified internal and external professionals who undergo constant training.
It has a sales department made up of employees with years of experience in the field, to accompany each client and seek answers to new market challenges.
We also have an after-sales technical assistance department, which repairs previously sold equipment.
At Golfinho we are proud to be distinguished annually with the Punctual Payment Commitment award. This recognition reflects our commitment to maintaining transparent and responsible business relationships.
We know that a good relationship with our suppliers and partners is fundamental to the company's success. Meeting our financial obligations on time demonstrates our work ethic and respect for all those who work with us.
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
Valter Ferreira Arcanjo set up a sole proprietorship dedicated to selling swimwear. It was based in a small office in the heart of Coimbra and Valter was the only employee.
Nuno Arcanjo (son of the founder and current director of the group) takes over the company. The first visit to an international trade fair is made and, at the request of some customers, the range of products sold is expanded, including some equipment for swimming pools and swimming. An own brand, Golfinho Sports, was launched and created.
In-house production begins with the manufacture of a wall chronometer for swimming. The brand's first full-color catalog is printed.
Relocation to a warehouse on the outskirts of Coimbra. Increase in product manufacturing capacity (foam, PVC and screen printing). Start reselling locker room furniture. Start of presence at national trade fairs.
Start of production of lockers and other equipment in phenolic fiber. Formation of the current company, Valter Ferreira Arcanjo, Lda.
National registration of the Golfinho Sports brand. Launch of the first website. Start of regular imports of products and raw materials from China, Malaysia and Taiwan.
Increased production capacity by acquiring a water jet cutting machine.
Elsa Arcanjo (the founder's daughter and the group's current human resources director) takes over the company, supporting the commercial and financial areas.
Inauguration of new facilities at the company's current location. The company consolidates its leadership in Portugal in the pool and swimming sector and is distinguished, as of this year, as a Leading SME. Start of product exports to Spain and France.
Highest production capacity to date reached, around 90% of products sold. Implementation of the ISO 9001 Quality Management System. Start of presence at international fairs, achieving great success.
Formation of the company LR - Lifeguard & Rescue, Lda, dedicated to the commercialization of aquatic rescue and salvage equipment.
Strengthening of the international position of the Golfinho Sports brand through its presence at various international fairs (Spain, France and Germany). Obtained CE certification for several products.
Registration of the Golfinho Sports brand in Europe. The increase in export capacity is notorious, with a presence in more than 30 countries (Europe, Asia, Africa and America).
Acquisition of new machinery for various production areas. Creation of an Electropolishing section, guaranteeing the high quality of the stainless steel products sold. Start of official sponsorship of the SC Braga Swimming Section.
Holding of the first Golfinho Sports Summit, an event that brings together the company's clients and partners.
LR - Lifeguard & Rescue becomes a store approved by the Instituto de Socorros a Náufragos (Portuguese Shipwreck Relief Institute) to sell rescue and relief equipment.
Significant increase in the company's facilities, doubling its installed capacity.
The Kaizen system is introduced into the company's management processes.
Rebranding of the group's brands. LR - Lifeguard & Rescue becomes Golfinho Rescue and Golfinho Technic is created, a brand dedicated to locker room equipment and furniture. There are now three Golfinho brands, each dedicated to a different segment.
Valter Ferreira Arcanjo was born in Coimbra in 1947. He studied until high school and, after the death of his father, had to join the company he had created. At the age of 18, he took over the management of the company, which didn’t work out as he had hoped.
At the age of 32, he decided to set up a new company in the sports sector, to make up for the shortage of sports and fashion swimwear on offer. Initially, he began by working with a reputable external partner. Then, as the company grew, he created a national network of salesmen, selling to various retailers nationwide.
In the 1990s, it began selling directly to institutional clients (municipal swimming pools), which later led to the start of its own production.
Always growing to this day, the company that Valter created is now a national leader, with a high volume of international clients.
Today, with almost eight decades of life under his belt, Valter continues to work for the company on a daily basis, as financial director, and has no plans to leave Golfinho, which is one of his great passions.
To provide quality and safety to all customers, through a diversified, innovative and quality product range.
To be a benchmark in the swimming pools and water sports, locker rooms and rescue sectors, particularly in terms of quality, diversity, sustainability and innovation.
Innovation
Quality
Security
Trust
Ethic
Sustainability
