The quaint quay at the Portomaso marina offered the best setting for the recent launch of the newest division of C. Fino + Sons Ltd, Fino Marine.

Fino, which celebrates its 75th anniversary in late 2010 since its founder Carmelo Fino made the name Fino truly a household name as a manufacturer of fine quality furniture, has turned its sights to creating bespoke interiors for luxury yachts.

Speaking on behalf of the company, in the presence of Finance Minister Tonio Fenech, James Davis explained the importance of Fino Marine not only in filling a niche market but also in providing more work opportunities for the skilled workforce at the Fino factories.

He explains, “With the diminished demand for locally manufactured furniture, as customers are buying imported furniture instead, the company felt responsible to do its utmost to protect the livelihood of its skilled carpenters, some of whom have been with the company for over 40 years.”

With major successes abroad providing work for the manufacturing plant, Fino has provided contract solutions to major customers in Libya such as Bab Africa – Corinthia, Palm City Exxonmobil, British Gas, the United States of America Liaison office, Banque Sahelo-Saharienne, Qatar National bank, and others. Fino is also in the process of opening a large showplace in Tripoli to further secure its foothold there and possibly expanding to other countries in North Africa.

“However,” Mr Davis continued, “the company is determined to create even more contract work and seeing Malta become a favourite hub for yacht owners after noting the government’s plans to create more marinas, Fino is certain that more and more yacht owners will seek berths in Malta. Such watercraft require a multitude of different services including refurbishment of their interiors, which is why Fino created its newest division within the company – Fino Marine.”

Fino Marine, thanks to its skilled workforce, is able to produce from design concept right up to installation any yacht interior even combining traditional materials such as wood and stainless steel with new materials such as Corian in order to give its clients a truly customised look for their waterborne pride and joy.

Mr Davis thanked the Fino board of directors for their decision to take advantage of any opportunity that would make the jobs of the company’s workforce more secure. He also thanked the workforce for rising to the challenge most admirably.

Mr Davis also thanked Mike Lord and Kevin Buttigieg from Sunseeker Experience Malta for their advice and collaboration.