The Maltese Government is committed to consolidating the manufacturing sector

“The Maltese Government looks very positively in the manufacturing sector and we believe that we need to do our utmost to sustain a strong, healthy and varied mix of manufacturing activity on the island,” said the Minister for Foreign Affairs Carmelo Abela during a visit to Bortex Group in Marsa as one of the visits to export leaning companies in Malta. Anton Buttigieg, CEO of Trade Malta, and ministry officials were also present.

Minister Abela said that Bortex has stood the test of time and despite the extreme challenges within the textile industry worldwide, the company took a bold decision to maintain its core management team and knowledge base in Malta. “The strategy has proved to be a very successful one. Today, Bortex has become a household name in menswear in Malta. Despite the challenges that many family businesses tend to pass, this company has made a smooth transition from one generation to another.”

Bortex is one of the few textile manufacturing companies that is still operating from Malta. Apart from manufacturing garments, Bortex is also involved in the retail business, having its own flagship stores spread over several locations in Malta. The company also represents several international brands on the island. Today, the brand has become a household name in the men’s clothing sector.

This company has maintained a manufacturing base in Tunisia for several years, employing approximately 600 employees. “As the minister responsible for Foreign Affairs, one of my tasks is to keep excellent bilateral relationships with the Tunisian government and to keep up to date with the political, economic and social situation on the ground.” Minister Abela continued that government will offer its full support to Malta-based businesses to reach international markets with their products and services.

Discussions with the top management team of the company, led by Peter Borg, managing director of Bortex Group, focused on how to expand the company’s operations, both in Malta and in other countries, their successes and aspirations, but also the challenges they have been facing in these last few years.

Throughout the visit, Minister Abela also had the opportunity to meet the employees.