Prime Minister Robert Abela, accompanied by Minister for the Economy, Enterprise and Strategic Projects Silvio Schembri, marked on behalf of the Government the transfer of a new facility from INDIS to STMicroelectronics in Kirkop, which will see a strategic investment that will continue to place Malta at the heart of the industries that are shaping tomorrow’s world.
With an overall investment of €250 million, the STMicroelectronics project has now moved to the next phase. This investment, the largest foreign direct investment in our country, is being made in collaboration between the Maltese authorities and STMicroelectronics, and will further strengthen our country’s position as a competitive hub for advanced industry.
This new factory will be based on advanced technology, automation and robotics, and will strengthen our country’s role in high-value technological manufacturing.
The Prime Minister explained that the facility will produce components and microchips among the most advanced for the international market and which are used in various fields such as satellites, aircraft and other electronic equipment. From this operation we will see an increase in the value of our production and we will continue to strengthen Malta’s reputation as a country capable of hosting and sustaining the highest levels of technological manufacturing.
Dr Abela emphasised that advances in technology mean that workers will have more tools to increase production through automation, but it also means more training, new skills, stronger careers and better wages for Maltese and Gozitan families.
The Prime Minister pointed out that this is the economic model that the Government believes in, a model that focuses not only on the number of jobs, but on the quality of jobs.
He said that the progress we are seeing today is the fruit of an economic transformation that our country has undertaken over the past 13 years. A transformation built on protecting industry, investing in people and modernising the economy. This was achieved through a policy that built trust, created stability, gave clear direction and attracted quality foreign investment, while also encouraging those already established in Malta to continue investing more.
He also mentioned the work that has been done to build a strong ecosystem in the microchips sector in our country, including through Malta Enterprise, participation in the European IPCEI on semiconductors, collaboration with IMEC and the development of a national competence centre for chips.
Minister for the Economy, Enterprise and Strategic Projects Silvio Schembri stressed that this project is a clear testament to the trust that global companies have in Malta’s capabilities.
“This investment is a vote of confidence in our people and our country. We are raising the level of advanced manufacturing in our country to be at the forefront of the semiconductor sector, which is so essential for medical devices, electric vehicles and advanced energy systems. In a competitive global scenario, Malta continues to attract investment of a calibre that offers peace of mind and well-paid careers,” Minister Schembri said.
“This milestone aligns squarely with Vision Malta 2050. As a Government, we are actively driving our economy towards high-value investments, built on digital innovation. This is because working towards smart manufacturing driven by Artificial Intelligence ensures that our workers are engaged in high-quality work that creates resilient careers for the future with good pay,” added Minister Schembri.
STMicroelectronics General Manager Laurent Filipozzi said that today’s inauguration marks another important step towards a lasting collaboration between ST and Malta. “With the support and continued collaboration from the Government, Malta Enterprise, INDIS and the Maltese authorities, we are strengthening ST’s presence in Malta and building the facilities that are needed for the future of advanced manufacturing,” stressed Laurent Filipozzi.
STMicroelectronics’ KK3 project represents an investment of €250 million and is being carried out over an 18-month period. The facility will include advanced production spaces, cleanroom infrastructure, modern mechanical and electrical systems, and technology-driven internal logistics systems.
Photos: DOI/OPM
