Plastics & Rubber Manufacturers
This Business Section falls under the Manufacturers and Other Industries Economic Group.
Executive Committee
Mr Olaf Zahra - Chairman
Mr Joseph Borg - Deputy Chairman
Mr. Robert Borg
Mr. Kenneth Caruana
Mr Walter Vigar
Executive Support
Mr. John B. Scicluna
2011
Process Technician for Plastics & Rubber Technology
The Plastics & Rubber Manufacturers Business Section within the Malta Chamber teamed up with the Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST) and the Employment and Training Corporation (ETC) to establish a new 3-year apprenticeship course entitled Process Technician for Plastics & Rubber Technology.
As part of this initiative, a number of meetings on the subject were held among the above entities, and a curriculum for the course was formulated. Besides, this week, 3 persons were nominated to sit on the ETC Trade Testing Board to assess the competencies of apprentices undertaking this course. These persons include Mr Charlie Borg (Executive in Injection Support, Playmobil Malta Ltd), Mr Frankie Bugeja (Methode Electronics Malta Ltd) and Mr Neville Grima (Maintenance/Facilities Manager, Trelleborg Sealing Solutions Malta Ltd).
This apprenticeship, which is intended to be launched by MCAST in September 2011, will address the shortage of skilled process technicians greatly needed in the plastics and rubber sectors.
Further information will be given in due course.
Visits to Plastics Manufacturers
19 participants from nine plastics manufacturers took part in an initiative organized by the Malta Chamber Plastics Manufacturers Business Section. The event included two company visits, hosted by Playmobil Malta and Trelleborg Sealing Solutions, and focused on energy efficiency.
Following an introduction and company overview by the Business Section Chairman and COO of Playmobil, Mr. Matthias Fauser, participants were given a presentation by Ing. Adrian Vigar, Environment Health & Safety at Playmobil. Ing. Vigar discussed the various processes related to water projects, injection machines, work environment, as well as other possible improvements. The presentation was followed by a tour of the premises.
After a short break, where participants had the opportunity to share their own experiences, the group moved on to the Trelleborg premises, where they were given an introduction by Mr. Mark Ward, Operations Manager. He was followed by Mr. Neville Grima, Maintenance and Facilities Manager, who continued with a presentation. Mr. Grima referred to a number of projects within the Trelleborg premises, including the installation of power factor correction units, the replacement of a number of T8 fluorescent tubes with T5s, the creation of awareness for employees to switch off unnecessary lighting, and the reduction of compressed air usage.
The group were then divided into smaller groups of four, and given a company tour by Mr. Ward, Mr. Grima, and Operations Managers Mr. Gerald Portanier and Mr. Ivan Galea.
Should members have any further queries or questions to put to either the Playmobil or Trelleborg representatives, please contact Miss Sara Buttigieg on email: sara.buttigieg@maltachamber.org.mt.
2010
The Plastics Manufacturers Business Section was created in 2010 with the aim of enabling plastics manufacturers to join forces in facing challenges, learn from each other and work towards opportunities that could benefit them all. This Business Section is chaired by Mr. Matthias Fauser.
Statistical Data
The Business Section agreed that some statistical background on the plastics processing sector will substantiate any future positions adopted by the sector. In this respect, a questionnaire was distributed amongst plastics manufacturers and other firms with operations similar to the plastic processing industry, which aggregate feedback was compiled by the Malta Chamber Secretariat.
Plastics Injection Moulding Technician Course in collaboration with MCAST
During one of the Business Section meetings held in 2010, members agreed that the current technician level accreditation at the Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST) is not sufficient for the needs required in the plastics processing industry and other companies with similar operations. In view of this, the Chairman obtained the curriculum of this profession from Germany and had it translated into English for members’ perusal. Subsequently a meeting was held with both MCAST and the Employment and Training Corporation (ETC) with regard to the introduction of a new apprenticeship course in injection moulding. The meeting was very positive and all involved agreed to work on it so that it would be launched in the scholastic year starting September 2011. In the meantime, it was decided to form a sub-committee on the curriculum consisting of a representative from MCAST, ETC and representatives from industry, namely Mr. Kenneth Caruana and Mr. Günther Kurz. In 2010 this sub-committee has met a number of times and progress on this front has already been registered.
Energy Efficiency
Since the plastics processing sector consumes large volumes of electricity, following the increases in energy prices, energy efficiency became even more crucial to firms in the industry. It was therefore agreed that each company appoints a specialist for energy efficiency, which representatives will form an Energy Efficiency Sub-committee. This sub-committee is lead by Executive Committee members Mr. Joseph Borg and Mr. Kenneth Caruana. An initial meeting was held end of year 2010, whereby members present participated in a brainstorming session on the subject. It was agreed to distribute a questionnaire to the members present on parameters established during the meeting itself. Part of this questionnaire relates to any energy saving measures which companies have adopted. This information will be then used during a subsequent meeting held early 2011 to enable transfer of knowledge on this front between member companies.