Methode Electronics has returned to full production and is investing in new lines following assistance given to it by the government.

The company has resorted to a four-day week in November 2008 and had been on the verge of dismissing 100 of its 770 employees after the international economic crisis ravaged the automotive industry, its main market.

Finance Minister Tonio Fenech said during a tour of the factory in Mriehel today that the company had now turned the corner. It increased its workforce by 60 over the past few months and extended its production to include busbars. It would also start production of touch sensors within three months and was considering venturing into new areas. The investment stated in the past few months exceeds €6 million.

"Despite suffering the impact of the economic crisis, we are now witnessing growth and confidence in our economic environment. The resilience shown by Methode and the government's proactive support in those troubling months not only secured the jobs of 770 workers but also led to new investment and 60 more jobs," Mr Fenech said.

Methode Europe Vice-President Joseph Khoury said every company needed the right partners to survive, and thanks to the partnership forged with the government, Methode Malta had been able to continue to invest despite the global economic downturn. This, he said, was something which should feature on management text books.