ACE arrives in Portugal and wants to hire 50 engineers over the next three years

ACE development & engineering, an engineering consultancy based in the Netherlands, is opening its first office in Portugal on 26 May, in Porto, at the UPTEC – Science and Technology Park of the University of Porto.

With seven offices in four countries and around 300 engineers, the consultancy’s arrival in Portugal is aimed at establishing strong connections with national institutions. “We want to be part of the innovative ecosystem in Portugal and work together with local companies to develop technological solutions to the problems of the future”, says Simão Carvalho, ACE’s Office Chief in Portugal.

ACE’s services cover areas such as industrial automation and construction technology in sectors ranging from automotive to energy, defence and security. As well as supporting companies in the development of new products, they also develop intelligent automation for manufacturing.

According to Simão Carvalho, choosing UPTEC as home of the company’s headquarters in Portugal was deliberate: “ACE decided to set up in this Science and Technology Park because it represents a vibrant environment for innovation, entrepreneurship and collaboration between companies, universities and research centres. UPTEC offers not only modern infrastructure, but also a network of contacts and co-development opportunities that align perfectly with ACE’s mission”.

The Portuguese team currently has 10 mechanical engineers, but there are plans to expand operations: “we plan to expand the team to a group of 50 engineers over the next three years. (…) Besides mechanical engineers, we will also be hiring electrical engineers”, reveals Simão Carvalho.

The formal inauguration of ACE’s new office in Portugal will take place on 26 May at 3pm in the UPTEC Asprela I building, and will be attended by Margriet Leemhuis, Dutch Ambassador to Portugal.