California-based firm International Aerospace Coatings has officially taken over the operations of Dutch firm Aviation Cosmetics (ACM).

Economy Minister Silvio Schembri announced this development during a meeting with Aviation Cosmetics’ workers, confirming a report that had been published by The ShiftNews.

ACM had been evicted from a government-owned hangar in Safi following a court ruling which also ordered the company to settle €453,000 in unpaid rent.

The company, which specialises in aircraft painting and finishing services, had been operating in Malta since 2013 but ran into financial difficulties.

“Today I fulfilled a clear promise that I had made to the workers of Aviation Cosmetics,” Dr Schembri said.

“These workers and their families went through a period of great uncertainty; a company that had been operating in our country since 2012 had stopped paying their wages since January.”

“We kept our word: the wages have been paid, and we have now brought in the world’s largest operator in this sector. International Aerospace Coatings will be investing and expanding operations from 60 jobs to 90 jobs.”