From a garage to a state-of-the-art factory.
Established in 1991, SAW has evolved from a one-man workshop into a business partner for bespoke contract furniture. From a company that was set up out of a 150m² garage in Għargħur, we have grown into a team of over 70 highly skilled individuals operating from our company headquarters in Ħandaq, Qormi, which covers an area of 10,000m². Three decades have witnessed numerous changes unfolding within the company and across the furniture manufacturing sector as a whole. Having begun operating during a time in which the industry was heavily protected by charges on imported products, locally-made furniture was in high demand.
SAW’s journey of growth and innovation began in 1991 with the company’s establishment. By 1996, SAW undertook its first contract business project for the Henry. J Beans restaurant in St Julian’s. In 1997, the business moved to its new 800m² premises in the Industrial Estate of Ħandaq, the manufacturing team grew, and Stephen Azzopardi took on a more managerial role. In 1998, the Product Development department was introduced, and SAW completed its first international project, exporting joinery works to Libya for a hotel and office project.
By 2005, international exports for Bloomberg and Regus offices in Moscow were completed. In 2006, the company moved to a new headquarters with an area of 6,000m², as the team grew to 30 employees. SAW invested in advanced machinery, focusing on finishing processes. In 2012, design and production were streamlined as the company shifted its technology system from ACAD to CAD/CAM. The following year, 2013, SAW invested in an in-house veneering line, turning raw materials into flexible and customisable finished veneers, alongside other machinery to enhance output and quality. In 2014, solar panels were installed to generate natural energy for the factory.
Innovation, technology, and sustainability drive our growth.
In 2017, SAW launched a new growth and diversification strategy. By 2019, an automated robot spray processing centre replaced the manual spray process for most finished material. In 2020, SAW expanded its premises by an additional 4,000m², reaching a total area of 10,000m². The company headquarters now houses a fully automated manufacturing line and offices for a team of over 70 individuals, solidifying its position as a leader in bespoke contract furniture production.
An innate drive for innovation led SAW’s founder and Managing Director, Stephen Azzopardi, to envision a different path for the company’s future. SAW became the first local company to bring made-in-Malta products to the contract furniture industry, focusing solely on B2B relationships. Today, SAW is synonymous with some of Malta’s most renowned buildings. From 5-star hotels to restaurants, offices, and luxurious residences, we have built a portfolio of high-profile projects in collaboration with respected clients and designers.
Every challenge is an opportunity for our team to adapt, improve, and anticipate changes, ensuring agility and flexibility in handling client projects in-house from start to finish. High standards are our norm. By investing in education, every team member stays informed of the latest industry trends and developments. Participation in international events allows us to connect with leading global suppliers and maintain a robust network for every project.
Our factory uses cutting-edge machinery alongside skilled local carpenters to produce bespoke furniture for each project. The factory floor consists of three primary production lines processing raw veneer, panels, and solid wood, complemented by a dedicated finishing station. The human element ensures exceptional attention to detail, while technology enables efficiency, maintaining short project timelines and reducing environmental impact.
Putting clients at the centre of everything we do.
While every project is different, our approach remains consistent: placing our clients’ needs at the centre of our work. This philosophy allows us to deliver the highest-quality products while meeting strict deadlines. Adopted during SAW’s infancy, this approach has proven to be one of our enduring strengths, enabling us to thrive amid increasing international competition.
At SAW, we are dedicated to innovation, quality, and client satisfaction. Every new project reinforces our commitment to excellence. We invite you to explore our past projects and gain a deeper understanding of our work through this catalogue.
