Spectacles frames factory to close down

Spectacles frames manufacturers Menrad Ltd are closing down their facility in San Gwann later this year because costs to continue production are no longer sustainable, managing director Simon Said said.

The General Workers' Union said all the 120 workers have been informed about the termination of their employment in mid-November.

Menrad started production in 1974 and the initial workforce of 50 grew to 795 over 10 years. For more that 25 years, it has regularly employed between 500 and 600 persons, producing more than 30 million spectacles frames and sunglasses.

The majority of the female employees have had a long career with the company, averaging 15 to 20 years, and the men much longer.

"It is with regret that we have to announce that we are forced to close our production facility. We will honour all commitments to our employees and to any other institutions or suppliers in Malta.

"Our industry is highly labour intensive and most of our competitors are already producing their frames in the Far East. The costs to produce spectacles frames in Malta, as in the rest of Europe, are no longer sustainable," Mr Said said.

The GWU said that although the workers have been informed about this development and had not yet been given notice of termination of employment, the union is in contact with the management to ensure they are given their dues as provided for in the collective agreement.

Menrad, which had started out with German investment, had been discharging workers at various intervals over the last three years.