Medigrain reports performace boost during 1997-1998 period

During the last 21 months Medigrain has achieved significant results in the grain importation and handling industry.  Following a reorganisation of its business, price stabilisation subsidy by Government for the period between September 1997 to October 1998 has been reduced to Lm 500,000. This compares very favourably to the Lm 2,208,000 and Lm 4,124,000 figures for 1997 and 1996 respectively.  This was revealed by Minister for Economic Affairs and Industry, Dr. John Attard Montalto, during his official visit to Medigrain Limited’s facilities at the Port Silos, Marsa.  Additionally, the net profit before tax for year ending 30 September 1997 was a record Lm 798,300, compared to Lm 701,500 in 1996.

Since December 1997, Medigrain Ltd. has adopted a refurbishment program for the Deep Water Quay Silo at Marsa.  A new weighbridge was installed, catering for truckloads up to 60 metric tonnes.  The old weighbridge had not been working for four years.  

Minister Attard Montalto noted that a drive for better hygienic condition in the storage and handling of grains was embraced by Medigrain, and a health and safety programme for the silo employees was adopted.  A modern fire alarm system and emergency lighting system was introduced at the Port Silo.

Medigrain Chairman, Mr. Alfred Micallef, informed the Minister that in spite of the works being carried out during the past year, 45,000 tons of grains were stored at the Port Silo.  All employees were provided with protective clothing and safety equipment.  Silo personnel attended First Aid courses and routine Health & Safety lectures are now being given by the company’s Safety Consultant.

Medigrain has recently entered into a storage agreement with the Kordin Grain Terminal (KGT) with the result that the company started benefiting from more favourable grain prices, with the introduction of part cargoes as well as combined cargoes. This was made possible by the fast discharge rate at KGT and its Deep Water draught.  At KGT, grain is stored in a most hygienic environment and there is also better accountability.

The Medigrain Silo currently employs 11 workers, with another 8 persons working at the company’s head office in Marsa.