New directory of 3,000 Catalan firms aims to promote industrial sector abroad

The Catalan government's business ministry has set up a new directory of some 3,066 exporting companies in Catalonia to promote the country's industrial sector.

The 'Catalonia Industry Suppliers' platform includes exporting industrial companies with more than 10 employees and a turnover of more than two million euros.

"It's a pioneering tool that allows international manufacturers, importers, and investors to find suppliers and partners in Catalonia," said business minister, Àngels Chacón.

Each company on the list has its own file with information about which sector it works in, the products it makes, and the list of its production plants, among other information.

The directory categorizes the suppliers into 35 different industrial sectors and includes a list of the more than 32,200 products and services they provide.

All the firms manufacture in Catalonia

All of the firms in the directory are exporters and all have their centers of production in Catalonia. On average, the companies on the list make 45% of their turnover from exports.

Almost half of the companies have a turnover of between five and 50 million euros, with 60% employing between 10 and 50 people, and 94% over 10 years old.

As for territorial distribution, 20% have their plants in the Vallès Occidental county, some 13.5% are in Barcelonès, and 12.2% are in Baix Llobregat, all in and around Barcelona.

The new tool will also be supported by the government's Catalonia Trade & Investment agency, which will alert the companies to international business opportunities.  

The new directory will also run alongside other tools provided by the agency, such as its 'Supplier Search Service', which allows foreign firms to find Catalan suppliers.