The quay at the Portomaso marina was the setting for the launch of the newest division of C. Fino and Sons Ltd. Fino, which has turned its attention to sights on creating interiors for luxury yachts.

Speaking on behalf of the company, in the presence of Finance Minister Tonio Fenech, James Davis explained the importance of Fino Marine, not only to fill a need in a niche market but also to provide more work opportunities for the skilled workforce at the company's factories.

Having garnered major success abroad, Fino is also in the process of opening a large showroom in Tripoli to augment its foothold there and possibly expand in other north African countries.

Mr Davis said: "However, the company is adamant in creating even more contract work. Seeing Malta become a favourite hub for yacht owners and noting the government's plans to create more marinas, Fino felt certain that more and more yacht owners would seek to have berths in Malta. Such waterborne assets require a multitude of different services, including refurbishment of their interiors, and it was thus that Fino created its newest division within the company."

Fino Marine is able to produce from design concept right up to installation, even combining traditional materials such as wood and stainless steel with new materials such as Corian, in order to give its clients a truly customised look.

Mr Davis ended his speech by thanking the Fino board of directors for their conscientious decision to exploit any opportunity that would make the jobs of the company's workforce more secure, and in reciprocation, thanked the workforce for rising to the challenge most admirably.