Mekanika has long been a pillar of Malta’s industrial sector, but under the leadership of General Manager Simon Caruana, it has grown into a dynamic force driving innovation, sustainability, and operational excellence.

In an insightful conversation with MeetInc, Caruana delved into Mekanika’s evolution, the challenges and opportunities within the Maltese market, and the company’s role in integrating cutting-edge technology into its operations.

A Journey of Growth and Resilience

With over 32 years at Mekanika, Caruana’s trajectory has been defined by his deep-rooted commitment to the company’s growth. From his early days as a site supervisor to becoming General Manager in 2017, his career has been a testament to adaptability and continuous learning. “I left school at 16, drawn to mechanics, and later transitioned to the automotive industry before joining Mekanika,” he recalled. His career development was marked by roles of increasing responsibility, including a pivotal position managing the mechanical installations at Mater Dei Hospital—one of Malta’s most significant projects.

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This period, especially during the 2008 global recession, was a turning point. “Mater Dei was key to achieving and sustaining growth during challenging times,” he explained. His leadership saw Mekanika not only weather economic downturns but also expand its expertise in building services and warehousing solutions for commercial and industrial facilities.

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Engineering Solutions That Leave a Mark

Mekanika positions itself as a one-stop shop for advanced engineering solutions, spanning mechanical, electrical, and maintenance services. Caruana is adamant that the company does more than just complete projects: “When a project is finished, most people forget about who built it. But I don’t believe that. We leave a mark. When engineers, consultants, and clients reflect on our work, they see a team that goes the extra mile.”

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The company has built a reputation for delivering high-end solutions through partnerships with world-renowned brands such as KONE, Panasonic, Schneider, and Nilfisk. These collaborations enable Mekanika to provide top-tier products that prioritise sustainability and energy conservation. The integration of the Internet of Things (IoT) is a significant step forward, allowing real-time monitoring of systems to predict maintenance needs, prevent failures, and enhance efficiency. “It’s not just about having the right product,” Caruana emphasised. “It’s about ensuring that it doesn’t disrupt the operation of a facility.”

A Commitment to Sustainability and Innovation

Sustainability has become a core focus for Mekanika, with the company actively working on projects related to battery energy storage systems (BES) and electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. In collaboration with its sister company GasanZammit, Mekanika has emerged as one of Malta’s first licensed operators of EV chargers. “Battery energy storage systems are still new to Malta, but together with photovoltaic panels, they hold significant potential for the country’s energy landscape,” Caruana noted.

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Beyond energy solutions, Mekanika is deeply involved in warehousing automation, VRF air conditioning systems, fire alarms, and building management systems (BMS). The company’s strategy is clear: specialise rather than expand indiscriminately. “We’re not looking to grow horizontally. Instead, we are focusing on refining our expertise in key areas where we can truly make a difference.”

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Prioritising People and Talent Development

For Caruana, Mekanika’s success is fundamentally tied to its workforce. “I prefer to call it capital resources rather than human resources because our people are our greatest asset,” he stated. The company ensures that all employees, regardless of nationality, are treated equitably, offering equal pay scales, accommodation support, and comprehensive insurance packages. “We don’t differentiate between a Maltese contract and an expat contract. Respecting and investing in our employees is non-negotiable.”

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Mekanika also places a strong emphasis on ongoing training and development, working closely with educational institutions such as MCAST. Employees are encouraged to attend international fairs and participate in professional training, ensuring that the company remains at the forefront of technological advancements.

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The Road Ahead: Stability and Strategic Focus

Looking forward, Caruana believes that Mekanika’s focus should be on consolidation rather than unchecked expansion. “I don’t foresee a slowdown, but I think we need to stabilise what we’ve been doing over the past three to four years,” he reflected. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the company has remained resilient and is committed to maintaining its trajectory of excellence in execution, investment, and innovation.

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As Mekanika continues to play a vital role in shaping Malta’s industrial and technological landscape, Caruana’s leadership underscores the company’s dedication to quality, sustainability, and engineering excellence. His philosophy is simple yet powerful: “A building cannot survive without proper engineered services, and we make sure we leave a mark in everything we do.”