SGS Thomson Chairman on fact-finding mission in Malta

Professor Bruno Steve, Chairman of the SGS Thomson Group of Companies had a meeting with the Prime Minister, Dr Alfred Sant and the Minister of Economic Affairs and Industry, Dr John Attard Montalto at Castille.

Professor Bruno came to Malta on a fact-finding mission and during the talks he expressed his satisfaction with the performance of SGS Thomson in Malta.

The company was appreciative that the Government had amended the Industrial Development Act, thereby extending the tax incentives linking same to investments and exports. This legislation enabled industry to make strategic plans relating to expansion.

SGS Thomson presently employs 1,850 workers and is Malta's premier industry manufacturing semi-conductors.

The third phase known as KIRKOP THREE is in an advanced stage of construction and will be handed over to the company ahead of schedule early next year.

The Chairman was also informed that Cabinet had approved the transfer of the maintenance section of the Public Works Department and had budgeted over a quarter of a million liri for industry in the 1998 Estimates. As the factory premises presently occupied by SGS Thomson have reached saturation point, the area transferred would now enable the company to expand its facilitites in Malta.

The local plant is one of 22 world-wide. Its turnover is almost equivalent to the largest plant of the company in Malaysia. This is due to the type of manufacture carried out in Malta, with a higher technological content and with more value added.

The meeting was also attended by Mr Gene Gretchen, Vice President of the Company and Mr Tonio Portughese, Company Director.