Minister Attard Montalto discusses the relocation of Dowty 'O' Rings production facilities at Hal Far

Mr. Clive Stearnes, Chief Executive of Forsheda Polymer Engineering Group, of which Dowty ëOí Rings in Malta is a part, has met with Industry and Economic Affairs Minister, Dr. John Attard Montalto, today to discuss the possibility of relocating all Dowty ëOí Rings factories to Hal Far. Dr. Mario Vella, Chief Executive MDC, attended the meeting.

Dowty ëOí Rings have been established in Malta since 1961 and now employ 1100 workers. This is a substantial increase of 180 employees over their 1997 employment figure. Their main markets are Europe, North America and Japan. They have also recently made inroads into the Brazilian market. The factory has been awarded ISO9001, QS9000 and the Quality in People Award. It is actively pursuing its new internal restructuring programme called 'Continuous Improvement Policy.'

Dowty 'O' Rings manufacture premium 'O' rings in critical automotive applications such as ABS, fuel injection, and climate-control systems.

Earlier this year MDC proposed to Dowty a relocation of all their production facilities (Mriehel and Marsa) to the former Malta-Win factory in Hal Far. Dowty 'O' Rings have expressed a very strong interest in the proposal. Mr. Stearnes believes that "such a move would fit in perfectly with our plans to upgrade our manufacturing technology in Malta."

Minister Attard Montalto observed, in the course of the conversation, that Dowty's story in Malta is an integral part of the island's own post-war economic history.