Playmobil to invest €11 million

Toy-maker Playmobil (Brandstätter Group) is to invest €11 million on an extension of its Malta plant and the introduction of new technology, Finance Minister Tonio Fenech said today.

He made the announcement when he visited the Playmobil factory in Hal Far.

Helga Ellul, managing director, said the German parent company had selected Malta for the production of higher-end products including laser printing. "The head office has recognised the skills on the Maltese workers, who are keen to learn and adapt," she said. She said the company invests €50,000 a year in training.

The company will employ 80 more workers within three years. It will expand over an area of 5,000 square metres which are being made available by Malta Enterprise.

Brandstätter has had a presence in Malta for 38 years.

Mr Fenech said Malta was an attractive investment destination because of the skills of its workers, and this investment was a good signal for the future.