METCO awards Maltese exporters for achievements

THE MALTA EXTERNAL TRADE ORGANISATION LAST WEEK PRESENTED ITS AWARDS FOR EXPORTERS OF THE YEAR. THE AWARDS WERE PRESENTED BY PRESIDENT GUIDO DE MARCO TO JB PLASTICS – FOR MANUFACTURING EXPORTER OF THE YEAR, SALVO GRIMA (FREEPORT OPERATIONS) – FOR SERVICES EXPORTER OF THE YEAR, MAGRO BROS – FOR MOST CONSISTENT EXPORT PERFORMER – AND TO FM ENVIRONMENTAL – AS NEW EXPORTER OF THE YEAR.

The presentation ceremony was also marked by an overview presentation on METCO given by METCO Chairman Anthony Diacono, and a video profile of all the sixteen finalists.

The METCO Export Marketing Award provides an opportunity to acknowledge the hard work that has been put in by the companies operating in Malta. However, this Award not only acknowledges the achievements of Maltese companies, but also serves as an incentive to others to intensify their efforts to exploit the global marketplace with products or services.

The Award was launched by METCO in 1998 to recognise the export marketing achievements of Maltese companies whose efforts contribute directly towards Malta's economic prosperity.

This edition of the METCO Export Marketing Award was sponsored by Bank of Valletta, Air Malta, DHL International, Lufthansa Cargo and Malta Export Credit Insurance Co Ltd.

The finalists
Exporter of the year – manufacturing

Avifilm Export Corporation Ltd has been in operation for the past 11 years manufacturing non-skid tray liners to a diverse range of renowned international airlines that form part of the company's portfolio.

Carlo Gavazzi Ltd, operating from Malta for the past 22 years, forms part of the Carlo Gavazzi Group. The company’s main product, the solid state relay, is a complex and technologically advanced device that can bring major enhancements to a very wide variety of systems and machinery. Other products manufactured by the company include motor controllers and timers.

* JB Plastics Ltd was formed in 1978 and today manufacturers numerous products for overseas markets. Its product range includes PVC pipes, electrical conduit, conduit fittings, mini-trunking and extrusion and the printing of polythene tubes and bags.

W.E.T. Automotive Systems (Malta) Ltd, forms part of the WET Automotive systems founded in Germany in 1968 manufacturing various types of heating elements and electrical components. Since that time, the Group has grown extensively and is today operating from numerous sites in six countries, including the Malta plant that has been operational since 1986.

Exporter of the year – services
MedAvia Ltd was set up in 1979. Today MedAvia not only operates a fleet of four aircraft, building a reputation for punctuality that is greatly respected, but has also developed other business activities including the chartering of VIP aircraft and associated support services, the report and maintenance of third party aircraft, procurement of technical services and the provision of aviation specific software.

* Salvo Grima (Freeport Operations) Ltd commenced its operations in 1991 and today offers a comprehensive portfolio of services directly related to the hubbing and distribution concept such as international freight forwarding, storage of cargoes and equipment, consolidation and distribution, break bulk, light assembly and repairs, inspection and quantity certification, and document processing.

Most consistent export performer
Biochemicals International Ltd was established in 1979. Today it is equipped to manufacture a full range of personal care and household products. In addition the company also offers a complete range of services related to contract manufacturing such as design, research and product development, production and marketing.

Consolidated Biscuit Co Ltd was set up in Malta in 1982. The company has a wide range of quality products including cream filled sandwich biscuits, cookies, crackers as well as traditional favourite tea biscuits which it produces under its own brand name. In addition Consolidated Biscuit Co Ltd is also the exclusive manufacturers of a number of McVitie products for the local market.

* Magro Brothers (Foods) Ltd was founded in 1934 on Malta's sister island, Gozo. From its humble beginnings as a domestic food manufacturer, the company has grown to become a leading enterprise in Malta offering quality products to its increasing number of international clients.

VF (Malta) Ltd has been operating in Malta for the past 37 years. Being part of a US multinational organisation, the company 5 activities form part of an overall structured marketing plan, which is committed to service customers with high quality products.

New exporter
* FM Environmental (Malta) Ltd stared operating in Malta in 1998. Through their strategic location in Malta, the company aims to create an environmental awareness in the Mediterranean region and be a supportive partner to the companies operating from the Mediterranean, North African and Middle East countries.

F Mercieca & Sons Mobili Ltd, established over 50 years ago, has succeeded in earning for itself an excellent reputation for the manufacture of high standard bedroom furniture, doors and joinery works. With its skilled team of professionals in the furniture field, the company is able to handle projects of various sizes and is particularly geared to meet the demands of the growing hospitality industry.

Interpoint Design Ltd was set-up in Malta in 1999. The company offers a mix of products proposing contemporary lifestyle for both the domestic and the contract markets.

Lasercomb Malta Ltd was established in Malta in 1999. The company focuses on the production and servicing of state-of-the-art sample making machines that are exported world-wide.

* Category winner 2001