A Maltese company has developed machinery that manufactures Glass Reinforced Polymer Composite Poles, known in the industry as GRP poles, that are longer than 16 metres, in an attempt to introduce the new product to the building materials market.

Funding provided by the Malta Council for Science and Technology (MCST) was crucial for Silvercraft Products Ltd to be able to develop the novel GRP poles that can withstand high levels of stress and weight.

The project was also supported by the Faculty of Engineering within the University of Malta.

During a visit to the offices of Silvercraft Products Ltd, Minister for Research, Innovation and the co-ordination of the post-Covid-19 strategy Owen Bonnici said that the company is proud to have created a prototype of the desired product and that it was even tried.

Minister Bonnici said that it is a wise move when a Maltese company such as Silvercraft Products Ltd amends its thinking and approach to grow its own business and continues to put Malta on the international map in terms of innovation and research.

On his part, Etienne Scerri, representative of Silvercraft Product Ltd, explained that Silvercraft Products Ltd started as a boat-building company, and is today one of the leading fiberglass manufacturing companies serving various industries, including construction.

Professor Duncan Camilleri, on behalf of the University of Malta (Department of Mechanical Engineering), praised this collaboration and emphasised, that this project was made real thanks to funds from MCST.

Some of the products range from eye-catching ones such as 'planters', 'custom designed shuttering' facade panels, swimming pools and reception desks, and other products that are not immediately visible, such as reservoirs, 'lift pit water proofing', water treatment systems, and hydro-dynamic separators.