Playmobil bucks the trend with higher exports

German toymaker Playmobil plans to invest €6 million over the next 12 months, riding over the global financial crisis as it enjoys a five per cent increase in its exports over the past year.

Speaking during a visit by Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi yesterday morning, Playmobil CEO Helga Ellul said the company had raised its workforce by 20 to almost 800.

Ms Ellul said although many companies were affected by the global economic crisis, Playmobil was doing very well and employed three shifts working 24 hours a day, including Saturdays and Sundays.

She said the company had adapted itself to changing times and increased competition.

Dr Gonzi congratulated the company and praised it for the training it offers in collaboration with Malta Council for Arts Science and Technology. The training of human resources was Malta's answer to the international economic crisis, he said.

Dr Gonzi was accompanied to the company's premises by MEP candidates Alan Deidun, Roberta Metsola Tedesco Triccas and Marthese Portelli.