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Kirkop Industrial Area

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Industrial site
—°10
Kirkop Industrial Area (Malta)

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The Kirkop Industrial Area, located in southern Malta, is one of the country's most strategically significant economic zones, primarily due to its immediate proximity to Malta International Airport. It hosts a variety of high-technology firms, including the semiconductor giant STMicroelectronics, which is considered the largest private employer on the island. The development of this area began in the 1970s and 1980s as part of the national strategy for industrialization and export promotion. Besides electronics manufacturing, companies specializing in aviation maintenance and logistics have also established operations here, benefiting from the excellent transport links. The zone is characterized by modern infrastructure and specialized utility services tailored to the needs of heavy and precision industry. For the local community of Kirkop, the industrial area represents a vital source of employment while contributing significantly to Malta's gross domestic product.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May–Jul.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C151415161923262725232016
Rain mm74655133171141063829582

📋 Practical info

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What is this place?
The Kirkop Industrial Area in Malta hosts, among others, the STMicroelectronics factory, a world-leading semiconductor manufacturer. It is a major hub for the electronics and high-tech industry in the Mediterranean region, providing numerous jobs.
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Visiting
The industrial area is not open to tourists as it is an active production site. From the surrounding roads, however, the premises with its modern buildings are easily visible.
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Where to view it
A good viewpoint is on the main road Triq Ħal Warda, from which the STMicroelectronics facility can be seen. From the elevated spot near Santa Marija Church in Ħal Kirkop, another overview of the entire industrial area is available.
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Local products
As this is a high-tech industry, no agricultural products are made here. The region is nonetheless known for Maltese crafts such as lace-making and traditional pottery, available in local shops.
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Active season
The industrial area operates year-round with round-the-clock shift work. It is especially active during global demand peaks for electronics, which typically occur in autumn and winter ahead of the Christmas season.
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Nearby
A visit to the area can be combined with exploring the historic village of Kirkop, which features a beautiful baroque church and traditional alleys. The nearby Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum and the city of Żurrieq with its harbour are also worthwhile destinations.

Geography

Coordinates
35.84000, 14.48500

Facts

  • The industrial area is located less than 2 kilometers from the main runway of the airport.
  • STMicroelectronics has been established in this area since 1981.
  • The zone is managed by Malta Enterprise, the government agency for economic development.
  • Kirkop houses specialized facilities for nitrogen supply used in the electronics industry.
  • The area is directly connected to major transport routes via the Kirkop tunnel.
  • It is a focal hub for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) careers in Malta.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

STMicroelectronics (Malta) Ltd.STMicroelectronics (Malta) Ltd.<1 km · NEExplore →
MqabbaMqabba1 km · WExplore →
ŻurrieqŻurrieq2 km · SWExplore →
Palazzo BettinaPalazzo Bettina2 km · NEExplore →
Malta International AirportMalta International Airport2 km · NExplore →
Playmobil FunParkPlaymobil FunPark3 km · EExplore →
Potato Farms in QrendiPotato Farms in Qrendi3 km · WExplore →
Hal Far Industrial EstateHal Far Industrial Estate3 km · SEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Sights in the town Kirkop Industrial Area (10)

Parish Church of Saint Leonard

Church building in Kirkop, Malta.

Kirkop Menħir

Megalithic menhir in Kirkop, Malta.

Knisja Parrokkjali ta' San Pawl

Parish church in Kirkop, Malta.

Airport Runway Viewpoint

Viewpoint overlooking the airport runway.

Arch

Arch or gateway in Kirkop, Malta.

Il-Katakombi tax-Xarolla

Roman-era catacombs in Żurrieq, Malta.

Il-Mitħna tax-Xarolla

Windmill in Żurrieq, Malta.

Monument Santa Katarina V.M.

Monument to Saint Catherine in Kirkop.

Chapel of the Annunciation

Church building in Żurrieq, Malta.

Visitor terrace Malta International Airport

Observation terrace at Malta Airport.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What characterizes the Kirkop Industrial Area?
It hosts major international companies, particularly from the electronics industry.
Is it near the airport?
Yes, it is strategically located right next to the Malta International Airport.
Is it a place for tourists?
No, it is a strictly industrial site without classic tourist attractions.
What is the largest company there?
STMicroelectronics is the most well-known and largest employer in this area.
Are there shopping opportunities there?
There are some factory outlets nearby, but the main shops are in the surrounding villages.
Kirkop Industrial Area: where is it located?
Kirkop Industrial Area is located in Malta.
Kirkop Industrial Area: what is there to see?
Highlights include Parish Church of Saint Leonard, Kirkop Menħir, Knisja Parrokkjali ta' San Pawl.
Kirkop Industrial Area: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jul.
Kirkop Industrial Area: why is it worth visiting?
The Kirkop Industrial Area, located in southern Malta, is one of the country's most strategically significant economic zones, primarily due to its immediate proximity to Malta International Airport.
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Nature

Il-Maqluba Sinkhole — Kirkop Industrial Area (Malta)
Il-Maqluba Sinkhole
A giant sinkhole formed by the collapse of a cave, now a wooded micro-habitat.
Blue Grotto — Kirkop Industrial Area (Malta)
Blue Grotto
A complex of seven sea caves famous for the brilliant blue water.
Għar Lapsi Cove — Kirkop Industrial Area (Malta)
Għar Lapsi Cove
A small rocky inlet popular with divers and snorkelers.
Għar Ħasan Cave — Kirkop Industrial Area (Malta)
Għar Ħasan Cave
A large sea cave on the cliffs near Birzebbuga with a legend about a Saracen pirate.
Ta&#39; Randu Hill — Kirkop Industrial Area (Malta)
Ta' Randu Hill
A hill near Siġġiewi that dominates the landscape in the southwest of Malta.

More places

City Sightseeing Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus — Kirkop Industrial Area (Malta)
City Sightseeing Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus
An easy way for families to explore Malta's main attractions on an open-top bus.
Three Cities Ferry Service — Kirkop Industrial Area (Malta)
Three Cities Ferry Service
A ferry service connecting Valletta to the Three Cities (Birgu, Senglea).
STMicroelectronics (Malta) Ltd. — Kirkop Industrial Area (Malta)
STMicroelectronics (Malta) Ltd.
A major manufacturer of semiconductors and a significant exporter for Malta.
Lufthansa Technik Malta — Kirkop Industrial Area (Malta)
Lufthansa Technik Malta
A major aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility.
Il-Maqluba — Kirkop Industrial Area (Malta)
Il-Maqluba
A large sinkhole that has created a unique micro-habitat with a variety of trees and plants.
Playmobil FunPark — Kirkop Industrial Area (Malta)
Playmobil FunPark
An indoor and outdoor play area with Playmobil themed worlds, located near the factory.
Playmobil Factory — Kirkop Industrial Area (Malta)
Playmobil Factory
One of the largest production facilities for Playmobil toys in the world.
Potato Farms in Qrendi — Kirkop Industrial Area (Malta)
Potato Farms in Qrendi
The region around Qrendi is a major producer of potatoes in Malta, which are also exported.