Last week Hetronic Malta celebrated the 25th anniversary 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 a production and logistics centre in Malta with Simon Grima as managing director.
Max 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 Minister Austin Gatt joined them on a tour of the premises the next day. An important part of this occasion was the presentation of financial donations to local charitable institutions identified by Prime Minister Gonzi, Dr Gatt and Ambassador Bordonaro.
Ambassador Bordonaro emphasised that the engine of the American economy remains the manufacturing industry and the US is committed to supporting, promoting and advancing innovative ideas and products. She added that Malta is 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 is still and can 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.
Prime Minister Gonzi congratulated Mr Heckl on the occasion of the 25th anniversary since he founded Hetronic Group. He stated that the company’s success in Malta reflects this country’s important role in a new globalised economy, as it has an environment that is conducive to business, the necessary infrastructure and excellent human resources skills.
The Prime Minister said Malta has become more attractive over the past years, thanks to membership of the European Union and a political environment that is stable and pro-investment.