OzoGroup of Qormi announced a €4 million investment in a new factory in Hal Far, enabling it to expand into new sectors, including manufacturing, and to increase its workforce by 25 per cent from 1,200 to 1,500, as it marked its 20th anniversary.

The group, whose subsidiaries include OzoSystems, OzoMalta, OzoGozo, OzoAcademy, OzoCare and OzoSecurity, was started by chairman Mario Muscat from his son Fabio’s bedroom. During an event to celebrate its 20th anniversary, held at Villa Arrigo, San Pawl tat-Tarġa, it unveiled a new brand image, signed a new collective agreement with the General Workers’ Union and made a donation to President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca for the Malta Community Chest Fund.

Chris Cardona accepting a memento from Mario Muscat. Left: President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca with the OzoGroup team.

Mr Muscat recounted the humble beginnings of the business, saying he never imagined he would have achieved so much, employ so many people and achieve ISO certification for the third year in a row.

OzoGroup was also identified among the most inspiring companies in Europe and awarded the National Public Champion in the European Business Awards.

Mr Muscat’s dream will be fully realised when he will be endorsed by Elite, a European group of organisations, giving the OzoGroup full access to the European market. While thanking everybody present and looking forward to the future, Mr Muscat encouraged everyone to never let go of their dream.

Kenny Muscat (seated, from left) and Fabio Muscat with (standing, from left) Josef Bugeja and Mario Muscat.

Among those who addressed the event were Education and Employment Minister Evarist Bartolo, who welcomed the group’s investment in training through the OzoAcademy. The biggest asset the country has is its human resources and Mr Bartolo emphasised the link between the government, the union and the management to organise the workers’ quality of work in the best way possible.

Economy Minister Chris Cardona welcomed the rebranding, congratulated OzoGroup on its ISO certification and awards and emphasised the importance of investment by medium-sized companies like OzoGroup, which obtained recognition both locally and internationally.

“Being recognised by the London Stock Exchange as being one of 1,000 companies from among 23 million to inspire Europe is no mean feat and should do us all proud,” Dr Cardona said. The success of OzoGroup is testament to the Maltese workers’ skills and, with volatile economic scenarios like Brexit, it is companies like these that instil confidence in a bright future.

The event began with a press launch for media, business partners and management, during which the group announced a newly branded look. OzoGroup CEO Fabio Muscat introduced Etienne Mallia from LogixCreative, who presented the new branding through a corporate video.

Fabio Muscat then introduced OzoSecurity general manager Mario Calleja, who thanked Mario Muscat for fulfilling his dream that had grown into a group of companies.

Mr Calleja went on to explain that the company took the initiative to invite the GWU to be present on the day to sign a milestone collective agreement for the employees. In his address GWU general secretary Josef Bugeja thanked the group and its chairman for this initiative. He welcomed better work practices and the clean health and safety work environment, adding with satisfaction that trade unions were being seen as an opportunity rather than a threat.

The event came to a close with the donation from the OzoCharity Foundation to the MCCF. President Coleiro Preca praised the new collective agreement and thanked the Muscat family for being not only friends but a huge contribution to the Maltese economy.