The story of Kevin Attard and Attard Holdings is one of perseverance, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to service. Now 55 years old with 32 years in the trade, Mr. Attard represents the second generation of a family that helped shape Malta’s logistics industry. His journey offers a masterclass in adapting to changing markets while staying true to core values.  

 "My father was one of the first trailer operators in our country," Mr. Attard begins, tracing the roots of his business philosophy. "He started this in the early 70s when Malta was mostly based on manufacturing, with many textile companies using Malta as a tax haven." This foundation in import/export operations between Malta and mainland Europe planted the seeds for what would become Attard Holdings.  

 After working in his father’s company for nearly four years, Kevin Attard struck out on his own in 1995 with a clear vision. "I built a small transport company with customs clearances and cargo handling," he recalls. What set him apart was his eye for opportunity. "I’ve always seen the value in exploiting niches. My first niche was being a customs broker between importers and customs itself. What others saw as complicated, we made easier."  

 The turn of the millennium brought the company’s first breakthrough. "I saw that Sicily was a very important market for Malta when it comes to trade," he explains.   

 "I was one of the first to start a transport link between the two islands in 1999-2000." This was no simple feat, as Malta wasn’t yet part of the European Union, creating customs hurdles. "I started with a very humble operation. I had my own trucks, and when I didn’t have drivers, I used to go myself. That was quite... I must say I did that with my hands to get things going."  

 Mr Attard’s hands-on approach and persistence caught the attention of Italian logistics firm Passa Laqua Transporti, another family business established 50 years ago. The similarities between their philosophies were uncanny.

"After convincing them that this could grow, we joined forces in 2008," he says. Today, this partnership enables regular transportation between Sicily, mainland Italy, and Malta, with Mr. Attard operating as what he calls "a franchise" of the Italian network.  

 The company’s operations are impressively diverse. "We do regular transportation between Sicily and Malta, and mainland Italy, in import and export," Mr Attard explains. "We do this in groupages and full loads, and we also do project transportation." Recent projects include transporting prefabricated bathroom pods for some of the biggest hotel chains in Malta and handling significant cultural items like the Crucifix of Our Lord from Ta’ Giezu in Valletta.

 Mr Attard’s description of the company’s services reveals its adaptability. "Full load is when you have a truck assigned to one particular client. Groupage is when you have a truck made up of different clients’ cargo." This flexibility has been key to their success, especially during challenging times.  

The COVID pandemic tested operations like never before. "We were always frontliners when it came to COVID. We did not stop. We kept on working, but we still lost money," he admits. The crisis forced innovation. "After COVID, we’ve seen some changes in how clients work. We’ve invested in the courier service, supporting companies major couriers for online commerce."  

Environmental considerations have also become a priority. "We have invested in some Euro 6 and Euro 7 trucks to try and reduce emissions," Attard notes. The company has also developed niche services like pallet exchange systems and recycling exports. "We stock and rotate wooden pallets, so clients don’t always need to buy new ones. Sustainability is a definite must for us," he says.

Recent global disruptions like the war in Ukraine have further demonstrated Attard Holdings’ adaptability. "When you have a client who normally imports timber from Ukraine, and then the war breaks out, you have to find solutions quickly to keep with supply chains and demands."  

What sets Attard Holdings apart is its client-focused approach. "We try to tailor-make our solutions to the requisites of the clients," Mr Attard emphasises. "We try to adapt ourselves to the needs of the market and the clients themselves, keeping in mind service, cost-effectiveness, and delivery time."  

This philosophy extends to how Mr Attard manages his team. "Over the past five years, I’ve found a way not to micromanage my business," he shares. "Everyone knows what they have to do."

Attard Holdings has in fact got an ISO 9001/2015 certification, reflecting its persistence for excellent standards. Yet Mr Attard remains personally accessible. "People can call me on my mobile if a truck hasn’t arrived. I’m not on the ball all the time, but I realise when someone calls me directly, it’s important."  

Mr Attard is refreshingly candid about the realities of logistics. "We depend on the supplier, the client paying, weather conditions, the ferry schedule," he lists. "There are many factors, and we try to coordinate them all for efficiency." He acknowledges the occasional challenges. "Sometimes rules have to be bent or broken or dealt with differently. It’s not one-size-fits-all model, especially considering that Malta is an island."  

As he looks to the future at 55, he’s preparing the next generation. His son Sebastian shows interest in the business, but Mr Attard notes, "There is a long way to go for him to step in and get himself in the total running of the company."  

Reflecting on his journey, the experienced businessman offers wisdom that encapsulates his approach. "I always believe small is beautiful. You start with strong foundations. You can’t say yes to everything and lose your reputation." This philosophy, combined with relentless adaptability, has built Attard Holdings into a logistics leader that continues to evolve while staying true to its roots.  

The company’s story mirrors Malta’s own economic evolution, from manufacturing hub to EU member to modern trade partner. Through all these changes, Attard Holdings has remained what its founder describes as "the end deliverer," connecting Malta to Europe and beyond, one shipment at a time.   

With 4,500 square meters of warehouse space in Ta’ Kandja, a fleet of modern trucks, and a team that understands both the big picture and the details, Attard Holdings stands ready for whatever challenges the future of logistics may bring. As Kevin Attard puts it, "What’s important is that the company keeps moving forward while supporting clients and making the right profits." It’s a simple formula that has served him well for 32 years and counting.