From its founding in Valletta’s Grand Harbour through five generations of family leadership, Salvo Grima & Sons grew into a trusted name in ship supply, maintaining strong ties with the international shipping sector.
1860
Following several years working at McDowall & Co, a British ship chandelling firm, Salvatore Grima acquires the business and establishes his own, based in Valletta’s Grand Harbour in the Mediterranean island of Malta, located along the busy shipping route between Italy and North Africa. During this period, Malta formed part of the British Empire and was used as a significant naval base and trading post. From now on, Salvo Grima & Sons is to become associated with ship supplies.
1905
After no less than 45 years at the helm, Salvatore Grima is succeeded as Managing Director by his son, Michael Grima, who goes on to lead the business for three decades. During their tenure, the business supplies countless vessels visiting Maltese harbours or passing through its waters. Though major international events, and even world wars, disrupted their operations, they nevertheless persevered and flourished.
1935
Victor L. Grima, Michael’s son, takes over and manages the family company, keeping it going even through the Second World War. He is subsequently to pass on the business to his own five children. The fourth generation comprises of: Vida Naudi, Mona Aquilina, Vera Aquilina Clews, Countess Enid Preziosi and Joseph Peter (JoJo) Grima. Vera is to continue to run the firm upon Victor’s retirement.
1974
From this point onwards, in a series of smooth transitions, the business begins to be run by three of Victor Grima’s grandchildren, with Robert C. Aquilina and Ilona Naudi joining Michael Aquilina Clews in 1974.
Vincent Borg Carbott, Ilona’s husband, succeeds her in 1980, whilst Count Josef Preziosi succeeds Countess Enid Preziosi as director in 1994, completing the transition to the fifth generation.
Throughout this period, the business remains a leader in ship supply in Malta, and counts flagships and navies of several countries as repeat customers, in particular those of the United Kingdom and the United States of America.
