Minister for Energy, Enterprise, and Sustainable Development Miriam Dalli has urged businesses to make use of Malta Enterprise’s schemes and support in their recovery plan post- pandemic.
During a visit to the family-owned Techniplast Ltd, Minister Dalli explained how Malta Enterprise is strengthening its assistance for businesses planning to regenerate and re-engineer themselves as they look ahead post-pandemic.
Malta Enterprise’s support measures include the Re-Engineering and Transformation Scheme and the Skills Development Scheme.
Through the Re-Engineering and Transformation Scheme, business assistance is given in the form of a grant to cover part of the costs of consultation services. Malta Enterprise, together with the Ministry for Enterprise, is carrying out an exercise to see how this incentive can be further strengthened and reach as many businesses as possible.
In fact, the visit at Techniplast Ltd is part of Malta Enterprise and the Ministry’s efforts to support enterprises. Techniplast opened in the 1970s and operates in injection and blow moulding, where it produces components for different sectors, including electronics, medical devices, and construction.
“If there is one thing that the COVID pandemic has certainly shown us, is the importance of the domestic supply chain,” said Minister Miriam Dalli. “While there was a global shortage of hand sanitizers, Techniplast found an opportunity to fill that gap and produce bottles for hand sanitizers. Thus, Techniplast became a crucial link in the local supply chain.”
Minister Dalli explained that the Ministry is working with different entities under its responsibility to see how businesses and companies can be assisted to become more efficient in their operations and productions. Such support includes energy performance audits and energy efficiency schemes.
“The history of Techniplast is an example to others. It is not easy, but many other Maltese companies such as Techniplast have the determination and courage to get their companies back on their feet, to be stronger than before,” said Miriam Dalli.
Managing Director Alan Cocks explained the process of change that Techniplast is undergoing. “We are currently undergoing a restructuring process intending to increase productivity and reduce production costs. We are exploring other options on investing in the skills of the workers and modern machinery that consume less energy. We are also working on plans to invest in human capital, increase customers’ reach, and penetrate new markets and customers, even overseas.”
Mr. Cocks stated that this process is being expedited with continuous support from Malta Enterprise. “Malta Enterprise is supporting our company by discussing ideas with them and offer us guidance, including how to make better use of the various assistance they offer, depending on our priorities,” said Mr. Cocks.
