“I was always fascinated by the industry,” Kurt Abela recalls, having joined the long-standing family business in an administrative-adjacent role in 2000. The young entrepreneur, however, quickly became fascinated by the mechanics of the enterprise, moving to more hands-on project involvement, eventually taking a leadership role.

By 2006 it was time to venture out on his own, starting as a sole trader, focussing on importing gypsum boards and offering turnkey solutions. The modest yet significant step laid the foundation for what would become one of the country’s leading plasterboard contractors Project Technik Limited and property group KA Holdings Limited.

“By 2011, we were confident enough to step into property development, purchasing the land that would become Centris One in Mrieħel’s Central Business District. The project’s success set the tone for future growth, including Centris Two, high-quality apartments in Swieqi, and now a 60-room hotel under construction in St Julian’s. Between the Centris developments alone, the group manages over 10,000 square metres of premium office space, almost fully occupied by high-calibre tenants who value reliability and quality,” Kurt explains.

“The secret of this growth is an emphasis on quality over quick results. In fact, Kurt quickly learnt to prefer commercial private developments where he could maintain control over design and finish.”

“You cannot chase a thousand projects, and expect to obtain good results,” he says frankly. Instead, his team focuses on fewer projects but executes them to a class-leading standard, keeping a close eye on trades such as construction and finishing to ensure the end-product is solid, practical and well-laid out.

As the business expanded, Project Technik made sure to build a clear organisational structure that guarantees reliability, efficiency, and sustainability.

“Project Technik nowadays operates through distinct departments that collaborate intimately, yet function independently, through their own resources so one does not slow down or depend on the other,” he explains.

In fact, one department focuses on sourcing and supplying building materials, another on contracting services for clients, and a third dedicated to developing properties for sale. KA Holdings, meanwhile, owns and manages the company’s property portfolio, which today includes four flagship assets. The structure allows the group to stay agile while maintaining a professional and disciplined approach to growth.

“An early embrace of good corporate governance has been central to our steady rise,” Kurt notes. In 2009, Project Technik issued a bond on the Prospects Market, creating KA Finance plc and establishing a formal board of directors, himself and two other non-executive directors, supported by an audit committee.

Quarterly board meetings ensure disciplined reporting and strategic oversight, something Kurt sees not as an administrative burden but as a critical enabler of professional growth.

“Strong governance is crucial for better planning and long-term thinking,” he explains. “It’s one of the reasons we’ve been able to evolve steadily and sustainably.”

This measured approach is now guiding the company into its next phase. “Property development remains the core strength of our business model,” he sustains, “but we are open to exploring adjacent opportunities as we actively consider international markets. Our involvement in some of the island’s landmark projects further cements our reputation as a trusted partner for high-end, large-scale projects.”

Within the context of an industry which is often maligned for chasing rapid wins, Kurt is adamant to underline the group's dedication to consistency and integrity.

“Over the past two decades, we have built a company that values careful planning, sound governance and uncompromising quality. We’ve grown gradually, and we want to keep growing responsibly,” Kurt aspires. “For us, it’s about creating value for our tenants, partners and for Malta’s built environment,” he concludes.