Profile Historic		Where the footwear manufacturing poles are. State of São Paulo Number of enterprises in 2008: 2,475 % of Brazil: 30.6 Number of employees in 2008: 47,732 % of Brazil: 16.3 Exports in US$ million in 2009: 118.9 % of Brazil: 8.7 Exports in million pairs in 2009: 7.3 % of Brazil: 5.8 Fonte: MTE/RAIS; SECEX/MDIC e ABICALÇADOS Footwear Pole in the state of São Paulo The State of São Paulo hosts three important Brazilian footwear poles and another still in formation, all with distinct characteristics. The pole in the city of Franca hosts the biggest men shoes producer of the Country, while the city of Birigui has the title of main children footwear producer. The city of Jaú has been standing out for the manufacture of women footwear. Another pole, in Santa Cruz do Rio Pardo, has been gradually increasing its performance in the national scene of footwear industry. Footwear Pole in Franca Iin the city of Franca, the footwear production dates back to 1850. At that time, the place was a rest for travellers who spent time to fix leather articles of horse riding there. Through decades, the development grew so fast that Franca turn to be internationally known as the Capital of Men’s Shoes. The production is 26 million pairs of shoes per year, 85% of which are directed to men. From the 760 footwear companies, around 550 are micro-sized, 130 are small, 65 have medium size and 13 companies are big producers. There are 27.5 thousand employees acting as artisans to take shoes with high added value to national and international markets. Birigui Footwear Pole Birigüi is the Brazilian capital of children’s footwear. Located in the Northwest of the State of São Paulo, the city moves because of the footwear industry, being the biggest pole of children’s footwear for all ages. Its companies employ 18 thousand people, equivalent to 60% of all workers in the city. The cluster started in 1947 with the installation of the first company and host nowadays 178 producers that manufacture 255 thousand pairs of shoes per day. They manufacture 62 million pairs annually. According to data from Trade Union of the Footwear Companies, the production in Birigui is more than 10% of Brazilian production of shoes in all segments (children, women, men and sports). Data: Trade Union of the Footwear and Clothes Companies in Birigui www. Sindicato.org.br Jaú Footwear Pole Women’s leather footwear is the main activity of the city of Jaú. Located in the center west of the State of São Paulo, the cluster generates over four thousand direct jobs. The production began slowly in the nineteenth century, with the arrival of Giuseppe Contatore from Italy, which installed the first shoe studio and spread his knowledge around town. The number of companies has grown and today Jaú is known as the Capital of Women's Footwear of São Paulo State, concentrating 95% of the activities in the feminine segment. The footwear industry represents more than 40% of GDP in the city. Jaú also hosts service companies of the supply chain, educational institutions, technical and financial support and other companies that characterize a Local Productive Arrangement (LPA). Santa Cruz do Rio Pardo Footwear Pole Located 340 km far from the São Paulo capital, the Santa Cruz do Rio Pardo footwear pole initiated its shoes production in the 1950ies. Known for the manufacture of country and casual style boots and shoes, the pole has been increasing the production of day-by-day feminine line. The city hosts 32 companies of women and men shoes, with installed capacity of 320 thousand pairs/year. 2,4 thousand direct jobs are generated. Mercosul, Spain, Portugal and Chile are among the main importers. Information: Trade Union of Footwear, Leather products and clothing companies of Santa Cruz do Rio Pardo. August/2005