‘Make a strong product, deliver strong service, provide solutions'
Kenneth Caruana, Managing Director at Thermoplastics Ltd, outlines the company’s growth on its 30-year anniversary
From humble beginnings 30 years ago, you have achieved significant growth, and nowadays you employ 380 people in Malta and Tunisia. What have been the main drivers for this growth?
As a Group, nowadays we employ 380 people. We have two factories in Malta and five sites in Tunisia. There is no doubt that the main drivers of this growth were the ideal business environment in both countries, and the hard work of the entire team, who all deserve credit for this progress.
You have also managed to expand beyond Malta’s shores, with a presence in Tunisia. What are the necessary elements for a Maltese company to internationalise?
Our decision to open in Tunisia was not to transfer work there. On the contrary, the aim was to strengthen the Maltese operation and keep the focus for new development and production in high-tech activities locally.
What role does the manufacturing sector - especially high value, advance manufacturing - play in Malta’s economy?
This plays an important role not only in financial contribution, but also in a wider chain of other sectors, such as attracting young people to choose careers by studying engineering and technical subjects related to the manufacturing industry. If we lose the manufacturing sector, we will also risk losing the future of these courses at MCAST and at the University of Malta.
How critical is it to offer a complete service to your clients?
Providing a complete service is essential, because it makes the final product more competitive, reduces logistics costs and lead times, and builds strong relationships with clients. By providing a complete service, clients see you as a one-stop shop – and that is a unique selling point for us.
How does the advance of AI affect your sector - and in what way is Thermoplastics embracing it?
The future is already here. We have attended courses in AI, and we have already adopted AI tools for administration. We also have plans in place to adopt AI tools in other departments, that will help our team with day to-day work. AI is revolutionizing manufacturing by automating complex processes, predicting machinery failures to eliminate downtime, and optimising supply chains. It can also support quality control, supply chain optimisation, and energy efficiency.
Malta is obviously too small a market for Thermoplastics - how have you built an international clientele, and what challenges does this present?
Make a strong product and deliver strong service, but most of all, provide solutions and show clients how they can improve and benefit, rather than simply offering something for sale. Once you deliver these qualities, your reputation grows and it becomes easier to access new markets.
As an employer, what human talent do you require to sustain your growth?
Challenges are everywhere: competition, disruptions in shipping, rising costs, and the need to build strong teams. Our job is to find solutions and make everything as smooth as possible. You need to be resilient, humble, and focused on your targets. Failure is not an option.
This year you are celebrating your 30th anniversary. What mid- to long-term growth are you aiming at?
We are aiming to open new manufacturing facilities, attract new customers, and build a new administration block with specialised staff in AI and R&D.