ProMinent Malta, a company which produces waste treatment and fluid metering technology this morning celebrated the completion of a €5 million expansion which includes a new electronic products assembly line.
During the inauguration CEO Viktor Dulger said the plant now occupied an important position in the German-owned company's international activities and products made in Malta, such as sensors, electronic units and diaphragms, were used in various applications where sophisticated metering processes were required. Exports are made to 40 countries.
He however, issued a warning:
Since the beginning of our activities in Malta, many developments have taken place. Malta has become a member of the European union and had adopted the euro as its currency. It is no longer an 'extended work bench; and cannot be considered any more a country of cheap labour. This also means that it is becoming more and more difficult to remain competitive.
"It will be up to the Maltese to make sure that their country, as a location for manufacturing, maintains the conditions which allow it to compete successfully. In order to achieve this, it is essential to promote the skills and knowledge of highly qualified employees and to keep wages, energy costs and taxes at the right level," Mr Dulger said.
"It is also essential that the administrative processes do not become too complicated. As little bureaucracy as possible and fast ways of reaching the decision-makers are the secret recipe. We see how difficult it has become in Germany to solve issues related to these sectors Do not let it get that far in Malta. Then, I am sure that ProMinent Malta can continue looking ahead to a bright future."
In his speech the CEO thanked the workers and the authorities, particularly Malta Enterprise, for their support
Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi, who was the guest of honour for the inauguration, reiterated the government's commitment to invest in education so that Malta could have the skilled workers whom investors were seeking. He said that Malta had a flexible economy in which high value manufacturing was an extremely important component.
He commented positively on the fact that a large percentage of the employees at ProMinent are women who returned to employment after a career break, in line with government policy.
During a tour of the plant Dr Gonzi particularly congratulated a former Bortex employee who, he said, showed the adaptability of Maltese workers.
The German firm set up its subsidiary in Bulebel in 1988. It now employs 100 workers.