Viarco originated in 1914, when a group of French industrials decided to construct an industrial plant for the manufacture of pencils, called “Fábrica Portuguesa de Lápis”.
Although the factory “Fábrica de Lápis Portuguesa” had been a pioneer in the development and production of writing goods in Portugal, its activity was seriously  affected with the country's coming to war in the World War I. and so, just after three years of its foundation, the first factory “Fábrica de Lápis” in Portugal starts a bankruptcy process.

During the 20's, the company was reactivated by industrials from Vila do Conde. However, the Great depression dictated the end of its activity once again.

The turn-about is made in 1936, when Manoel Vieira Araújo, an experienced industrial and a prominent figure from S. João da Madeira, decided to  diversify the business activities of the group “Vieira Arújo & Cª,  Lda, by becoming the owner of “Fábrica Portuguesa de Lápis. And it is precisely in that year that the first Viarco pencils are launched in the market.

In spite of its size, the group Vieira Araújo was a family business, and thus, one of his sons, António Vieira Araújo, was appointed to assume the responsibility of making the new sector of the group modern and dynamic.

In the first years, efforts were made to research for and develop new formulas, equipments and production methods, which enabled the improvement of the pencil quality and the diversification in the product offer.

In 1941, when the market was already solid and all information needed for the company to run well was guaranteed, the company was moved from Vila do Conde to the present premises in S. João da Madeira.

The following years were marked by consecutive technological developments, which allowed improvement in the quality of graphite and coloured pencils, as well as the creation of a diversified range of pencils specific for the industry and the construction sectors.
In the 70's the production of wax crayons was started and, at the same time, the pencil factory became independent from the group Vieira Araújo, and it is now designated as Viarco-Indústria de Lápis, Lda.

At present, Viarco continues to be the only pencil factory in Portugal , and it probably is one of the most diversified of its kind in the world.