About:

The scene was set in 1980, when George Cassar started his carpentry business from a small garage in Qormi. In less than a decade of operation, business growth dictated a move to a larger outfit. In 1987, George Cassar Woodworks (GCW) relocated to Ta’ Qali. A former RAF Airfield, Ta’ Qali now houses a variety of workshops which were traditionally housed in old Nissen huts. At the time, a modern and more permanent upgrade was already in the works, though it took around twenty years to fully materialise into what it is now.

At the time, George Cassar’s focus was on the productions of wood handrails and balustrades for the terraced houses that were all the rage in the 1990s. This kind of production continued for fifteen years, until the terraced houses trend converted into the construction of apartments. During this time, Johann Cassar, who is the 2nd generation Proprietor and Managing Director of George Cassar Woodworks Ltd, took it onto himself to develop the family craft into a business. Malta joining the European Union was seen as an opportunity to diversify a waning business. After an initial interest in the installation of spiral and modular staircases proved to be of less interest to the general public, the business of doors proved to be catalytic in turning the company’s fortunes around.

This is when the company started importing semi-finished components, mainly from Italy. Machines that enabled local assembly were bought and installed and within a year, this business decision proved to be a fruitful one.