Hetronic celebrates 25 years of success

The Hetronic Group of Companies, a multinational manufacturer of radio remote controls for industry, is celebrating 25 years of operations. The US-based group operates its largest production plant and logistics centre from Malta and the milestone was marked with a reception on July 25 at Palazzo Parisio in Naxxar.

The reception was hosted by group founder and chairman Max Heckl who, in 1982, designed and produced the first industrial radio remote control. During his address, Mr Heckl recounted how Hetronic, from a village in Germany, has branched out all over the world and made Oklahoma City its base.

The group is now a world leader in the niche market of industrial radio remote controls. Under the guidance of managing director Simon Grima, the local company has been operating in Malta for the past 13 years. Its highly-educated and well-trained workforce produces high-end value-added radio remote controls within a finely tuned supply chain.

"From a small 20-person operation, Hetronic Malta has developed into a dynamic workforce of 160 employees," said Mr Heckl. "Today, the only constant factor is change. Malta offers a solid production facility base. We admire the capability of our Maltese employees who are very flexible, and this is an essential quality in today's highly competitive environment."

"Hetronic invests greatly in research and development to stay ahead of the competition," US Ambassador Molly Bordonaro, the guest of honour, told guests at the event. "This not only benefits Hetronic, but also benefits the Maltese economy. We are proud that Hetronic is one of a number of American firms in Malta that collectively employ almost 2,000 Maltese people."