Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1114702
09.05.19 14 EU FUNDS WITH the help of a blossoming economy, Government incen- tives and EU funds, a Maltese family-owned business operat- ing in the production and sup- ply of drinking water has grown at a rate of 33% since 2017. Nibe Beverages Ltd, which has been operating in this manner since 2003, has regu- larly invested in new machin- ery and equipment in order to strengthen its market position. is enterprise primarily fo- cused its activities in the pro- duction and distribution of 2-li- tre and 19-litre bottled mineral drinking water where it holds a substantial share of the local market, before successfully im- plementing a project under the Business Enhance ERDF Grant Schemes co-financed through the European Regional De- velopment Fund – 'Fostering a competitive and sustainable economy to meet our challeng- es' and received over €222,000 in support out of a total invest- ment of around €644,000. e company utilised this funding to invest in new ma- chinery and equipment specifi- cally to support a new product line and equipment and furni- ture for the Export Adminis- tration area. As a result of this project, this enterprise introduced a new product line focusing on the production of 5-litre and 10-li- tre bottles. is same product line also includes an innovative packag- ing system for water extraction in the form of a tap to pour out the water and this facility makes away with the need for an external dispenser. e production of 5-litre water bottles locally and the self-pouring tap application are innovative concepts for this segment of bottled drinking water which are intended to further strengthen Nibe Bever- ages Ltd market position. e company is now, through accessible Malta Enterprise schemes for growing business- es, and a working relationship with Malta Industrial Parks, also investing a sum of nearly a million (€860,000) in new ma- chinery and infrastructural im- provements. eir expansion will serve to strengthen and di- versify the capacity of the Mal- tese manufacturing market. During a visit to the company, Economy Minister Chris Car- dona said that Nibe Beverages is another example of the po- tential of the Maltese company, with an economy stimulating Government that considers their added-value. "e sustainable operations model of the company of awareness of its activities and products and their impact on the environment, is one that businesses should consider, as both business and country can benefit," he said, while laud- ing the company's respectful working conditions and pro- vided ongoing training for its employees in a competitive market. EU funds parliamentary secretary Aaron Farrugia, described how the compa- ny made use of the Business Enhance scheme, designed to help companies absorb funds from EU grants for them to fur- ther develop and grow. "is is the economic model our country has adapted: cre- ate work, create wealth, and ensure that wealth to partici- pate in all layers of society. is wealth has been created with the capital that the government invests, with European funds, and by local and foreign busi- ness investment," he said. Farrugia said that the Busi- ness Enhance scheme availed by this company is not only limited to 'SME growth', but also applicable to start-ups, companies wanting to diversi- fy and those wanting to engage in e-commerce. is particular company also benefited from a labour training program fi- nanced by European funds. He went on to explain that the company has made good use of funding opportunities by submitting a sound project proposal under the scheme with the aim to specifically tar- get the export market in North Africa. Following the implementa- tion of the project the enter- prise is forecasting that it will be able to increase its sales substantially through export activities. is SME is also focusing on decreasing its waste derivatives and combating the environ- mental issues relating to the disposal of plastic materials. In this regard, through this project Nibe Beverages Ltd has invested in a crusher which is specifically targeted to crush the 5- and 10-litre waste wa- ter bottles from which crushed plastic is then collected for re- cycling. Another successful result of this project focused on em- ployment with Nibe Beverages Ltd increasing its workforce. Following the implementation of the project, the company in- creased its full time equivalent employees by more than nine full-time employees (an in- crease of 58% of its workforce) and this growth in employment augurs well for the future pros- pects of this enterprise. Its managing director, Pierre Farrugia, said that the com- pany is a clear example of the way local businesses should be assisted. Strengthening local businesses through Government incentives, EU funds Top: Nibe Beverages Ltd CEO Pierre Farrugia (left) accompanying parliamentary secretary Aaron Farrugia and Minister Chris Cardona through the premises. Above: Aaron Farrugia addressing media and employees "This is the economic model our country has adapted: create work, create wealth and ensure that wealth to participate in all layers of society."