From the Mundet Factory to Upon Harbor

For more than 80 years, this site was the heart of one of Portugal’s most important cork industries. Today, the legacy of Mundet lives on through Upon Harbor, a place where history, heritage and hospitality come together.

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A Story That Began in 1905

When the Mundet family chose Seixal as the location for their cork factory, they could hardly have imagined the impact it would have on the region. Over the decades, the company became an international benchmark, exporting cork products around the world and contributing significantly to the economic and social development of the municipality.

More Than a Century of History

1905
Arrival of Mundet in Seixal

1922
Foundation of Mundet & Co.

1930–1950
Period of greatest industrial growth

1988
Closure of the factory

2026
Opening of Upon Harbor Seixal Bay Hotel

Much More Than a Factory

For decades, Mundet was one of the largest employers in the region. Its activity helped shape the local community, creating jobs, supporting families, and contributing to the development and growth of the municipality.

80 Years of Operation
Thousands of Workers Across Generations
Presence in International Markets
A Legacy That Shaped Seixal’s Identity

Stories of the People Who Made It Happen

Behind the machines and the production lines were thousands of human stories. Men and women from different regions of Portugal found in Mundet an opportunity to build a better future.

More than just a company, Mundet became part of the lives of generations of families in Seixal.

Where the Past Meets the Present

The transformation of this space was carefully designed to honour the industrial heritage that made it unique. Upon Harbor pays tribute to the history of Mundet, preserving its connection to the river, the local community, and the legacy that helped shape this part of Seixal. Today, guests can enjoy a contemporary experience in a place deeply rooted in the history of the region.

Discover a Place with a Story

Every building has a story. Few have a story quite like this one.

By staying at Upon Harbor, you will be experiencing a place that helped write one of the most important chapters in Portuguese industrial history.

Discover the spaces, rooms, services and experiences that make this retreat overlooking Seixal Bay a truly unique destination.

Discover Upon Harbor

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Mundet was one of the most important companies in the Portuguese cork industry. Established in Seixal in 1905, it became renowned for the production and export of cork products to international markets, earning a leading position in the sector throughout much of the 20th century.
Mundet began its industrial operations in Seixal in 1905, following the acquisition of land at Quinta dos Franceses. Its strategic location on the banks of the Tagus River enabled the growth of one of the largest cork manufacturing facilities in Portugal.
Seixal offered ideal conditions for Mundet’s industrial operations. Its proximity to cork-producing regions, connection to the Tagus River, and easy access to the Port of Lisbon facilitated the transport of raw materials and the export of cork products to international markets.
For decades, Mundet was one of the largest employers in the region and played a fundamental role in the economic and social development of the municipality. The company attracted workers from different parts of Portugal, contributed to the growth of the local community, and left a lasting mark on Seixal’s identity.
Although best known for its cork stoppers, Mundet manufactured a wide range of products, including thermal and acoustic insulation materials, decorative coverings, components for the food industry, nautical products, and materials used in the construction sector.
From the second half of the 20th century onwards, the cork industry faced significant challenges, including competition from alternative materials and changes in international markets. After several years of economic difficulties, Mundet’s factories in Portugal permanently ceased operations in 1988.
Upon Harbor occupies one of the restored buildings of the former Mundet Factory, one of the most important industrial complexes in Seixal’s history. The redevelopment of this space was carefully designed to preserve its heritage value and keep alive the memory of an industry that shaped generations of workers and contributed significantly to the region’s development. Today, Mundet’s legacy lives on through a new purpose for the building, combining history, heritage and hospitality. As part of the StayUpon Hotels & Resorts portfolio, Upon Harbor breathes new life into this unique waterfront property overlooking Seixal Bay.