GEORGES FERREIRA: THE ART OF BUILDING INDUSTRIES

Our entire civilization is built on industrial production and commerce, but few of us are aware what it takes to build a factory or a warehouse. For most of us, industrial facilities are just a fact of life, churning items that we need in our everyday lives, from our cars to food and clothing, gadgets and cosmetics.

GFS Engineering is a company that knows how to build a factory in any industry the client wants. It specializes in the execution of industrial buildings, logistic centers and renewable energy solutions, and works closely with its partners throughout the length of the project to understand the requirements, the functionality and the constraints of the construction processes. In essence, GFS Engineering aims to deliver the full service, a turnkey building that fulfills the quality requirements and the expectations of the client. The company's teams have extensive experience in Design & Build and General Contracting and are trained to stay continuously up to date with the latest systems and solutions for construction.

GFS Engineering is present across Europe and has offices in Poland, Portugal, Romania and Bulgaria. Its General Manager, Georges Ferreira, shares more.

How do constant changes in industries and the advance of AI affect industrial construction nowadays?

The constant change in industries and the advances in AI has an impact on industrial construction. Industrial facilities are being designed to be more flexible and adaptable in order to accommodate changes in production processes and technologies. AI is being used to optimize design and construction processes, and to improve the efficiency of industrial facilities.

How do trends like energy efficiency and green production affect industrial construction nowadays?

Trends like energy efficiency and green production are also having a major impact on industrial construction. Industrial facilities are being designed to be more energy-efficient, with features such as improved insulation, high-efficiency lighting and ventilation systems, and renewable energy sources such as solar panels.

Sustainability is another focus in construction of modern industrial facilities. This means using recycled materials and construction methods that minimize environmental impact.

What does a modern industrial facility look like in 2024?

A modern industrial facility must have high flexibility and adaptability to changes in production. It must be energy-efficient and sustainable, and equipped with automated technologies. AI-powered technologies are also having ever increasing importance to provide optimized, effective and precise processes to ensure flawless operations and quality products.

What is your team's first step when they start working on a new industrial project?

The first step for GFS Engineering when we start working on a new industrial project is to meet with the client and understand their needs and requirements. Then we work with the client to develop a concept for the project, which takes into consideration the client's budget, timeline, and sustainability goals. Once the concept is approved, GFS Engineering begins the design and build process.

You build for a wide range of industries. How are you capable of offering solutions that work best for each client's specific business, operations and goals?

GFS Engineering is able to offer solutions that work best for each client's specific business operations and goals thanks to following several core principles. Our team always works closely with the client to understand their needs and requirements along the project. We also use innovative technologies and design solutions to offer the best options to our clients and their businesses and business goals.

GFS Engineering is present in a number of European countries, including some notorious for their high standards of industry construction, such as Germany. Why do so many clients opt to partner with you?

GFS Engineering is a trusted partner for industrial construction for a number of reasons. The company stands out with its experience and expertise in a wide range of industries and fully commits to quality and safety.

When and why did GFS Engineering step on the Bulgarian market?

GFS Engineering entered the Bulgarian market in 2018, as we recognized the country's growing market for high-quality industrial construction services; our first project was a warehouse. Since then, we successfully completed a number of projects in Bulgaria, including a new production facility, a logistics center and numerous smaller industrial projects.

What is the profile of your clients in Bulgaria?

In Bulgaria GFS Engineering is focusing essentially on foreign clients which can be interested in expanding their production into this country. Bulgaria is a country with advantages compared to other countries, and the fact that it is in the EU and is developing quite fast makes it an attractive choice.

What was the most challenging and satisfying project you worked on in Bulgaria?

GFS Engineering's most challenging and satisfying project in Bulgaria was the construction of a new production facility for a leading glass supplier. The project was challenging because it required GFS Engineering to meet the client's high standards of quality and safety, proceeding with construction works while keeping the production active in the existing parts of the plant.