De La Rue completes €60 million Malta expansion as Abela hails manufacturing confidence

Prime Minister Robert Abela on Tuesday officially inaugurated the completion of the expansion project at De La Rue’s Malta facility, describing the investment as a strong vote of confidence in the country’s manufacturing sector and workforce.

The project, which started in 2022, represents a private investment of nearly €60 million and is expected to create more high-quality jobs, introduce advanced technology and provide specialised training opportunities for Maltese and Gozitan workers, a government statement said.

Accompanied by Economy Minister Silvio Schembri, Abela said the expansion further strengthens Malta’s position as a centre for advanced manufacturing and security printing.

The investment includes the installation of advanced visual systems and more efficient production processes aimed at improving productivity and competitiveness.

Speaking during the inauguration, Abela described De La Rue as a strategic partner in Malta’s economic development. He said the continuation of such investment in Malta could not be taken for granted and was the result of what he called a climate of trust, stability and business-friendly economic policies.

The Prime Minister noted that despite major international changes within the De La Rue group, Malta has remained central to the company’s future plans.

“This confirms the skills of our workers and the competitiveness that our country has achieved,” Abela said, adding that the company had continued to believe in the potential of Maltese and Gozitan employees by investing in training and creating quality employment opportunities for hundreds of families.

Abela also referred to other recent industrial investments, including the expansion of STMicroelectronics and the announcement of investment by Vantive in the medical and pharmaceutical sector.

“These are clear examples of how Malta is continuing to diversify its economy and attract investment in high value-added sectors,” he said.

Schembri said the De La Rue project was the direct result of what he described as a strong and stable economy built over recent years.

“It is precisely this environment of stability and certainty that gives international companies of this level the confidence to continue investing, expanding their operations and creating more added value and quality jobs in Malta,” Schembri said.

He added that the investment would strengthen Malta’s competitiveness while contributing to sustainable economic growth.