Stockbrokers, financial intermediaries visit new GSD facility

The Coca-Cola Company has awarded General Soft Drinks (GSD) a Best Practice award for its new state-of-the-art plant. In fact, several of its design elements have been shared with other bottlers around the world.

This was announced by GSD managing director Brian Mizzi during a visit to the newly inaugurated €27 million bottling and warehousing facility in Marsa by local stockbrokers and financial intermediaries.

Mr Mizzi said the group, which currently employs over 900 people, is gearing up for further expansion across several sectors including retailing, which is fast becoming a main activity. It is also expanding its property arm, particularly as it holds a substantial portfolio of land in various commercial and residential areas with potential for development. After making inroads overseas with a fashion franchise, Mizzi Organisation is to seek further internationalisation in other markets and other commercial activities.

The plant visit was presided by an audio-visual presentation about the company's recent achievements and investments and the launch of the forthcoming public bond offering of €25 million (2016 - 2019).

In his address, group chairman John Grech said Mizzi Organisation needed no introduction. The organisation owes its origins to Spiru Mizzi, its founder, who started the business in 1919. Ninety years on, it is still very prominent on the local business scene. The strength of Mizzi Organisation lies in its diverse portfolio of business activities.

Company secretary Hugh Mercieca said since the 2002 bond issue, the organisation has undergone a period of unprecedented capital investment of over €75 million. This covers the rebuilding of Continental Cars showrooms and garages with a total investment of €6.2 million, on-site development to the extent of €5.3 million at Muscat Motors, building and equipping the GSD plant with a capital investment of €27 million, building the annex in Arkadia, Gozo and opening additional fashion retail outlets in Gozo, Malta and Slovakia.

Following the plant visit, guests were hosted to refreshments and canapés prepared by Seasons Event Caterers, a catering company which the Mizzi Organisation launched recently.