In 2008, Embraer announced the deployment of two new plants in Portugal, both based in the city of Évora, south of Lisbon. The units would be dedicated, respectively, to manufacture machined metal structures and composite material assemblies.
Locating these centers of excellence in Évora resulted from a careful assessment that included several factors, such as potential access to skilled labor, logistical infrastructure, and the presence of the Aeronautical Industry Park near the municipal airport.
Construction work is expected to begin in early 2010, and the plants are expected to start operating in 2013.