Last year, after over two decades of working in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector, Russell Grima was on the lookout for a new challenge. Having recently completed an MBA, he was eager to apply his strategic and operational insights in a new environment. Soon, Mr Grima found himself being interviewed by company CEO Alistair Buttigieg Vella, who was sure that he had found the right person for the role of Scientific Business Manager.

“I was looking for a new challenge at the time, and restructuring UIEL’s scientific department has created many opportunities for me to learn and grow.”

With a strong pedigree spanning over five decades, Universal started as a pure import and export business, building ties with companies around the globe and gaining trust across various industries in Malta.The company began its transition from distributor to solutions and service provider in 2019. By 2024, the transformation had reached a point where changing the name to Universal Industrial Expertise Limited made sense.

“The changes we started making go deeper than a name change and a rebrand,” Mr Grima explains. “We’re not a catalogue company. We design solutions by combining our expertise with that of our international partners. Sometimes we bring multiple suppliers together to create a tailored response to our clients’ operational and regulatory safety needs.”

Understanding the client’s requirements is always the starting point. “Safety has a different meaning in a food environment compared to aviation or the pharmaceutical industry,” Mr Grima says. “We need to understand what our clients do and how they do it before we can recommend anything.”

Personal protection equipment (PPE), especially for working at heights, has been one of the focus areas for the team. But the goal isn’t just to sell equipment or systems. It’s to ensure clients have the right tools to comply with standards set by the Occupational Health and Safety Authority (OHSA) and other regulatory bodies, which has even meant increasing services to include auditing and certification of such solutions.

“Stockpiling generic products no longer aligns with the strategy of Universal,” Mr Grima says. “Instead, we begin with an in-person meeting and a site visit to understand the client’s operations. We then apply a structured, scientific approach; testing and evaluating solutions in context to ensure they meet both practical and regulatory requirements. This allows us to deliver recommendations that are not only fit for purpose but also sustainable and compliant.”

Universal’s service doesn’t end when a solution or order is delivered. The company keeps extensive records and documentation about each solution, piece of equipment and product to help clients comply with regulations and legal demands. Clients can now access these details as a standard part of the service.

This tailored approach applies not only to PPE and safety-related products. UIEL also supports surface engineering solutions for the aviation and maritime industries with abrasives and chemical treatment. The company offers liquid filtration solutions ranging from simple filters to entire filtration systems, and custom-designed industrial chemicals developed in collaboration with international partners.

“The goal is to ensure the safety of workers and processes, and protect the consistency of the finished product,” Mr Grima says. “Production processes are costly in any industry. Disruptions can quickly cost thousands of euros, so it’s important that our clients can always find us when they need assistance or encounter difficulties.”

To assist clients across different sectors in this manner, Mr Grima has had to learn a lot about industries and their needs. His efforts have paid off, and he was named Business Big Shot of the Year for the last quarter. Mr Grima is quick to admit that he couldn’t have done it by himself: “Alone, you can do nothing. I had a great mentor in our CEO and support from excellent colleagues from different departments. Behind me, there are many, and we’re all working towards a common goal.”

He has no plans to slow down in 2026. Mr Grima sees each year as an opportunity to challenge himself further, continuously expanding his knowledge and capabilities to better support clients. “There’s always room to improve, and I believe in staying curious and proactive. That’s how we keep delivering value.”

Moreover, Mr Grima was recently asked to give a lecture to members of the Malta Chamber of Construction Management (MCCM). Engaging construction project managers after hours required a fresh approach. “Keeping focus at the end of the day can be challenging, which is why I decided to adapt the format to an interactive discussion full of practical examples. It’s simply a better way to connect with your audience.”

Connecting with customers and prospective clients has been critical to growing Universal’s client base. To this day, Mr Grima and his team find that word of mouth is the best form of advertising. “We’re all looking to people we trust for suggestions and recommendations, in business and in our personal lives.”

To become and remain that trusted business partner for its clients, Universal’s team is working hard to build a solid track record of solutions and projects. Mr Grima points out that while Malta may be small, the country has always been well connected throughout Europe and beyond. Working internationally brings its own challenges, due to geopolitical developments outside of the company’s control.

“On a practical level, we work to minimise the impact of uncertainty by ensuring we have multiple sources for every solution we offer. This approach allows us to maintain continuity and reliability for our clients, even when external factors disrupt supply chains. We take on that responsibility for servicing our clients and making sure their operations run smoothly.”

Mr Grima is confident that clients remember the experience for years to come. Aside from strengthening client relationships, the company continues to source new and innovative products and design solutions that help clients thrive in any economic environment. As industries evolve, UIEL remains committed to delivering smart, safe, and sustainable solutions; designed with precision, implemented by individuals with a passion for quality and innovation.