Italian firm files protest against Malta Enterprise

A plastic cards manufacturer has filed a judicial protest against the Ministry for Gozo and Malta Enterprise, claiming that their failure to honour commitments and promises had made it impossible for it to continue to operate in Gozo.

Bryvarc Limited said it had been promised "a proper electrical supply, a good ferry service and trained workers." However the electrical supply to its factory at Xewkija was such that serious damage had been caused to its machinery. Damage could also have been caused by untrained workers,. Furthermore, inefficiency in the transport service hindered its exports.

The company said that such failures had made it impossible for it to honour its own commitments, particularly to its creditor Bank of Valletta.

The factory allocated to Bryvarc by MIP is in fact closed, without any production of plastic security cards having occurred.

Back in 2009, Malta Enterprise chairman Alan Camilleri had said the package offered by Malta Enterprise was the determining factor that led to the investment. Camilleri said Bryvarc intended to employ 58 people in the first year, 24 in the second year and a further 58 in the third year bringing the total up to 140 in three years. Bryvarc CEO Carlo Faranda had also stated that ME had facilitated negotiations with banks and other enterprises.