Portwest Acquires Grupo Kondor to Expand Safety Footwear Leadership in Latin America

Portwest, a global force in workwear, safety footwear, and PPE, has taken a major step in its international expansion strategy by acquiring a majority stake in Grupo Kondor Colombia S.A.S. This move significantly boosts Portwest’s presence in Latin America, giving the company direct control of one of the region’s strongest high-performance safety footwear brands. As a result, Portwest now deepens its global supply chain, expands regional expertise, and accelerates its mission to build a truly worldwide safety solutions network.

Expanding Into Latin America With a Long Term Strategy

To begin with, Portwest positioned the acquisition as a strategic milestone in its global development roadmap. The company already employs more than 6,400 people across five continents, and adding Grupo Kondor’s 300+ employees enhances its operational strength in one of Latin America’s most important industrial markets. Through this acquisition, Portwest secures a strong local production base, robust distribution capabilities, and deeper insights into regional safety footwear needs.

Cathal Hughes, Deputy Managing Director of Portwest, emphasized that this deal advances their long-term vision:

“Kondor represents a strategic addition, expanding our safety footwear capabilities and strengthening our presence in Latin America.”

His statement highlights that this acquisition is not merely an expansion, it is a targeted investment in building a stronger, more accessible global safety ecosystem.

Accelerating Innovation Through Joint Expertise

Moving forward, Portwest plans to integrate Grupo Kondor’s local manufacturing strengths with the advanced technical expertise of Base Protection, its Italian premium footwear brand. This collaboration is expected to elevate the region’s product offerings by merging European engineering with Kondor’s deep understanding of Latin American industrial environments.

Through this synergy, customers can expect:

• More ergonomic and performance-driven footwear

• Advanced European technologies adapted to local climates and industry needs

• Joint innovation pipelines focused on durability, comfort, and protection

This approach ensures that safety footwear in the region meets both international standards and local expectations.

Kondor’s Perspective: Growth, Innovation, and New Opportunities

From Kondor’s viewpoint, joining Portwest unlocks an entirely new phase of growth. With access to global R&D, advanced materials, and international distribution channels, Kondor is now positioned to scale faster across Colombia, the Andean region, and potentially global markets.

Juan Carlos Cardona, CEO of Grupo Kondor, described the acquisition as an inflection point:

“With Portwest’s global reach, we can strengthen our innovation capabilities and accelerate our expansion.”

His statement reinforces that the partnership is rooted in collaboration, shared growth, and wider opportunity for employees, partners, and customers.

A Consistent Pattern of Smart Global Acquisitions

Importantly, this acquisition fits Portwest’s long-established strategy of acquiring market leaders in key regions. Previous acquisitions include:

• IFR Workwear (Canada) – strengthening flame-resistant and industrial apparel offerings

• Base Protection (Italy) – elevating premium safety footwear design and R&D

• Australian workwear companies – expanding into one of the world’s strongest mining and industrial markets

Together, these moves reveal a clear pattern: Portwest targets top-tier regional brands and integrates them into a cohesive global platform.

What This Means for the Safety Industry

This acquisition highlights several industry-wide shifts:

• Regional market leaders are becoming essential gateways for global expansion

• Safety footwear buyers now expect high comfort, advanced ergonomics, and category-specific performance

• Latin America is emerging as a priority region in global industrial growth

By securing Grupo Kondor, Portwest signals strong confidence in Colombia’s expanding industrial sectors and the region’s long-term potential.

Looking Ahead: Faster Delivery, Better Products, and Stronger Local Presence

In the near future, customers throughout Latin America can expect:

• A more extensive range of products combining Kondor heritage and Portwest technology

• Faster delivery times through combined warehouse capacity

• Enhanced comfort, durability, and compliance backed by European R&D

• Broader access to Portwest’s global catalog

The Kondor acquisition positions Portwest for a deeper impact across Latin America while strengthening its role as a global leader in workplace safety.