Workforce acknowledged with over 200 awards

Leading engineering firm FG Wilson acknowledged the educational achievements of its 2,200 strong local workforce this week by handing out more than 200 awards at its annual employee prize-giving ceremony.

Managing Director Mark Sweeney paid tribute to the dedication of the prize-winners at the event in Larne and said that the high standards achieved by employees must be maintained throughout 2003 and beyond, in order for FG Wilson to remain at the forefront of the competitive power generation market.

He added: “In a challenging economic climate FG Wilson has retained its leading position in the global electric power industry. The achievements of our workforce precipitate this success and our employees must be given the opportunity to reach their potential so that we can retain our world-leading position. Recognition of their achievements is a key element in this."

Awards handed out at the event include the Apprentice of the Year Award, won by Tom Foye of FG Wilson’s Springvale Plant. Other honours include Further Education awards in a range of business, computing and engineering disciplines.

Guest speaker at the awards ceremony was Bill Brown, Chairman of the Engineering Training Council. He reinforced to FG Wilson employees the importance of continuous education to the success of industry.

In particular he emphasised the deeper knowledge and broader experiences imparted by NVQs and modern apprenticeships, and said that he would encourage everyone to engage in lifelong learning.

FG Wilson, a wholly owned subsidiary of Caterpillar Inc, is the largest diesel genset manufacturer in Europe and the third largest in the world. The company employs over 2,200 people in Larne, Springvale and Newtownabbey and exports to over 170 markets around the world.

(MB)