Minister John Attard Montalto visits TMT Limited

The Minister for Economic Affairs and Industry, Dr. John Attard Montalto, today visited TMT Ltd. TMT Ltd. was formed in October 1997. It is a joint venture between Kwik-Fit Silencers, a sole Maltese company and M. Sauer Consultants Ltd. of the Isle of Man.

TMT's principal activities are :-

• perforating of metal tubes in stainless, mild, aluminized steel. This line of activity incorporates the latest technology on the European market. TMT can perforate any pattern requested by clients.

• the manufacture, assembling and production of motor vehicle silencers, such as perforated tubes, flanges, baffle plates, brackets and other related silencer parts and accessories. The company is making use of American and British technology. TMT packs its silencers with a special acoustic absorption material made from Rock Mineral Wool which is used in a wide range of exhaust applications including petrol, diesel engines and gas turbines.

• TMT is also a toolmaking plant specialising in the manufacture of tools according to client specifications and drawings.

TMT therefore offers a complete package of exhaust systems and silencers. Production is 95 per cent export-oriented.

The company's major client is Lancaster Glass Fibre Ltd. TMT has just managed to secure a huge contract for the supply of silencer systems for the new European General Motors model of Vauxhall Astra in the United Kingdom and Opel Astra in Continental Europe. The company's client will be using 1.5 million of TMT tubes along with his own components for this project.

The TMT perforated tubes are also being used in original exhaust systems for top models in the automotive industry, like Rolls Royce, Jaguar, Ford, Rover, Honda, Nissan, Toyota, Saab, Volvo, Lotus and so forth.

Though TMT has been operating for only three months since last December, it has already achieved a high street reputation for product research and development, as well as quality excellence. In the case of the former, TMT has managed to develop a range of products that is 25 per cent cheaper than its international competitors. The company has just developed a range of truck exhaust systems which will soon go into production for export. The demand for TMT perforated tubes is such that company orders are fully booked for the next three to five years. Until recently the company's production capacity stood at 45,000 tubes per month on one perforating machine. In order to be able to meet increasing client orders, the company is extending its production run on two additional perforating machines, thus expanding also its existing production floor area. With effect from next month the company will be introducing a third shift with an increase in the workforce.

In his address, Dr. Attard Montalto stated: "Although still in its infancy, I see great potential in TMT steadily achieving the criteria that make it a leading edge company. My optimism is grounded on the belief that when a company concentrates on high efficiency production targeted to high value added niche markets; when there is a high level of people development and training backed by in-house product research and development, and a total commitment to product excellence - then it stands a better chance of joining the best practice company category. TMT's level of achievement and success is reflected in its forged business links with some of the world's most prestigious end users in the automotive sector.

I take this opportunity to congratulate the company directors, the management and the employees."