Hetronic Malta Ltd last week celebrated the 25th anniversary of the date when Max Heckl, founder and chairman of Hetronic, designed the first radio remote control for a client. Today, 25 years later, Hetronic is a multinational company with headquarters in the United States and with a production and logistics centre in Malta whose managing director is Simon Grima. Mr Heckl travelled to Malta to participate in the celebrations.

US Ambassador Molly Bordonaro was Mr Heckl’s guest of honour at a reception. Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi and Investments, Industry and IT Minister Austin Gatt joined them during a tour of the premises the next day. An important initiative on this occasion was a presentation of financial donations to charitable institutions.

In her remarks on the occasion, Ambassador Bordonaro emphasised that the engine of the American economy remained the manufacturing industry and the US was committed to supporting, promoting and advancing innovative ideas and products. She added that Malta was the ideal location for the industry with such a highly-educated and highly-skilled workforce, and that Hetronic’s investment locally has not only benefited the Maltese economy but has also had an impact on the American economy.

High-end with value-added manufacturing in Malta and in the United States was still and could remain a critical part of economic output and growth.

Ambassador Bordonaro expressed satisfaction with American investment in Malta which collectively employs nearly 2,000 Maltese. She looks forward to increased bilateral investment in the future.

Dr Gonzi said the company’s success here reflects Malta’s important role in a new globalised economy, having an environment that is conducive to business, the necessary infrastructure and excellent human resources skills. The Prime Minister remarked that Malta has become more attractive in the last years, thanks to membership of the European Union and a political environment which is stable and pro-investment.