Companies to Watch: B&B Construction on leveraging tech and efficiency to champion sustainability

The construction industry gets quite the colourful reputation in Malta, and while a lot of it might be justified for a hundred and one reasons, there is a company that is focussing all its energy to improve its operation, become more sustainable and decrease its environmental impact. B&B Construction Ltd, is in fact putting its money where its mouth is, as it invests heavily in new, cleaner tech, and leading the way in an otherwise controversial landscape.

Photo: Bernard Polidano

Ing. Etienne Bartolo, CEO at B&B Construction Ltd, discusses how his company is leading a silent revolution in the industry, as he advocates a better way of doing business, becoming a reference point for the entire sector.

“Often contractors get a bad reputation and all the criticism related to what is wrong with construction and development in Malta is levelled at them. However, it is important to distinguish between contractors and developers,” clarifies Etienne immediately. “As contractors we follow plans and strategies designed by our clients who are developers or architects or even private individuals. Our job is to see that the work is done properly, on time and to specifications. Having said that, we are determined to take our operation to a new level, seeking the best, most efficient methods, and instilling a vision for sustainability in all we do. This, we believe, is the way to grow in the future.”

A Mechanical Engineer by profession, Etienne is the second-generation Bartolo to run the business at B&B Construction, which was established by his father in 1981. “While I was naturally drawn towards the industry, I was never pressured into joining the ranks of the company. I remember my dad being involved in a number of large-scale national infrastructural projects which changed the face of Malta in the 80s and 90s, however I pursued my studies until it was time to join in 2001.”

As CEO, Etienne brought with him a new way of doing things, as the company pivoted towards the production of cement products, supplying the industry with materials, alongside their construction operation. “We understood that there was a great opportunity to revolutionise the local production of construction materials, as we increasingly grew independent from third-party suppliers. This shift allowed us more control over supply, quality, costs and availability. The Maghtab plant was acquired in September of 2001 and we never looked back since,” Etienne recalls.

Recognising the environmental and economic importance of sustainable practices, the company has invested heavily in state-of-the-art facilities and processes. Just last year, B&B Construction invested €2.5 million in a new wet-mix concrete mixing plant which enables the creation of ready-mix concrete in a unique, more efficient way. “Unlike traditional plants, where dry ingredients are combined and mixed at mixing stage, the wet-mix method allows for ingredients to be combined at the outset, resulting in elevated control of the materials, quality and efficiency. Moreover, the system contributes for more energy efficiency, reduced waste and most importantly a superior quality end-product. Temperature control is another added benefit, ensuring that the product remains consistent in its properties, regardless of external conditions. This system is unique in Malta, enhancing B&B Construction’s capacity to supply top-quality ready-mix concrete,” Etienne explains.

In addition to ready-mix concrete, the company also produces pre-cast concrete items. B&B Construction’s predal products, are both thinner and lighter, reducing the overall weight of structures without sacrificing strength. They also manufacture beams and bricks, tailored to a variety of construction needs, as well as bubble deck technology, designed to reduce the volume and weight of concrete in areas where full structural thickness is not required. This careful attention to materials engineering allows B&B Construction to deliver solutions that are both cost-effective and environmentally conscious.

B&B Construction’s dedication to innovation extends to their Marsa plant, which specialises in the production of rebar and steel mesh used to reinforce concrete structures. “Six years ago, we invested in the latest electro-welding mesh machine, aptly named Just in Time, which spans 500 square metres and brings a new level of versatility and efficiency to the manufacturing process. With this advanced, computerised machine, we can produce practically any design an architect can envision, allowing us to meet the industry’s diverse requirements.”

Environmental sustainability is central to B&B Construction’s operations, a principal Bartolo has prioritised throughout his leadership. Vast rainwater reservoirs store large volumes of rainwater which is used in concrete production. “Although using rainwater does not yield significant financial savings, it represents an important environmental benefit which we are adamant to support. Furthermore, we recycle the wastewater, which is used in machine cleaning, as it is filtered and reused. By itself, this meant an investment of no less than half a million euro, but it was a necessary step for the company to continue reducing its environmental footprint,” Etienne is keen to note.

B&B Construction’s expertise in pre-cast concrete has been highlighted in projects such as the current construction of the St. John’s Co-Cathedral Museum extension in Valletta and other high-profile locations. They also manufactured specialised concrete elements for the Ggantija Temples visitor centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and supplied materials to some of Malta’s leading hotels and business centres, solidifying their role in both heritage preservation and modern construction.

B&B Construction’s commitment towards leading the way in the industry, is best cemented, perhaps by their recent investment in a fully electric concrete mixer, which operates silently and produces no emissions, much to the joy of all neighbours across the island.

“The truck, which cost half a million euros, equivalent to the price of three standard trucks, shows our commitment to sustainability. We are committed to remaining on this track, as we believe that all players in the construction industry have an important role to play, to contribute towards a more sustainable, and environmentally sensitive sector in Malta,” Etienne concludes.

This interview forms part of the Companies to Watch in 2025, a business serialisation of BusinessNow.mt, Malta’s fastest-growing, cutting-edge business news portal, aimed at companies achieving their goals, marking important milestones, or planning to announce major business news.

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