Playmobil still intends to go ahead with its expansion plans announced in October 2009, managing director Helga Ellul told The Times Business, but the company is still negotiating with Malta Enterprise over the conditions related to this expansion.

Ms Ellul told The Times Business: “We are still actively looking at these extensions. It took quite a bit to get the permit and presently we are still negotiating the conditions with Malta Enterprise. Playmobil is growing two digits and we still hope that we will soon finalise so that this extension will definitely be done in Malta.”

During a visit to the Playmobil plant by Finance Minister Tonio Fenech on October 8, 2009, Ms Ellul had said that the company planned to invest €11 million over the next two years, extend its plant by 5,000 square metres and employ an additional 80 workers.

Ms Ellul had said Playmobil, which employs 800 workers, would increase its workforce as new machines were purchased for its new line. The machines include laser printers and silicone moulds.

“The head office has recognised the skills of the Maltese workers, who are keen to learn and adapt,” she had said, adding that the company invested €50,000 a year in training.

Playmobil operates 24-hours a day, including Saturdays and Sundays. The German company came to Malta in 1971 and had since invested €120 million locally.