Malta’s already prominent advanced-manufacturing sector is widely expected to “continue to play a significant role in the economy,” while more companies in the field continue to set up locally, according to Malta Enterprise’s External Unit Head Jurgen Zammit.

Making the prediction in a lengthy social media post, Mr Zammit reflected on the strength of the industry in Malta, where 3,000 manufacturing and distribution companies are hosted.

These companies, he wrote, contribute 10 per cent of the country’s GDP, employing approximately 24,000 people equating to around 15 per cent of the island’s labour force.

He explained that the country’s manufacturing sector focuses on five pillars: the attraction of new FDIs (Foreign Direct Investments), the maintenance of existing FDIs, supporting SMEs, supporting Maltese-owned entities to grow locally and abroad, and the consideration of new industries.

Most manufacturing companies are small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and the sector predominantly consists of locally owned firms operating alongside a small number of relatively large foreign-owned, export-orientated subsidiaries of multinational companies, he observed.

As such, many of the country’s small manufacturers produce parts and components for the islands.

Providing insights on the leading operators in the sector, Mr Zammit reported that ST Microelectronics is currently the country’s largest manufacturer, but that packaging specialist Toly Products, toy manufacturer Playmobil, and engineering group Trelleborg are also prominent companies in the local jurisdiction.

Furthermore, the country has a strong aircraft maintenance sector, headed by Lufthansa Technik and SR Technics.

Reflecting on some highlights of the sector in recent years, Mr Zammit looked to the entry of Crane Currency into Malta, with an investment of $100 million, creating over 300 jobs, and the expansion of existing currency printing company De La Rue.

Similarly, Playmobil has invested a further €30 million in its existing plant, creating 200 jobs and bringing its workforce to 1,000. Methode Electronics also made a significant investment locally, of €5 million, Mr Zammit added.