FG Wilson named UK’s leading manufacturing firm

Local engineering firm, FG Wilson has been named the number one manufacturing company in the UK at a leading UK-wide awards scheme.

The Co Antrim firm, which employs around 2,000 people at its facilities in Larne, Newtownabbey and west Belfast, out-stripped some of the world’s leading manufacturing outfits, including BAE Systems and Rolls Royce, to claim top prize in the ‘Institution of Mechanical Engineers’ (IMechE) ‘Manufacturing Excellence Awards 2003’ (MX2003). FG Wilson was ranked first amongst 22 finalists from across the UK.

Hugh McKeag, FG Wilsons’s Plant Manager was presented with the overall ‘Foresight Award for Manufacturing Excellence’ in addition to the ‘Resource Efficiency’ category award, by host John Humphrys of BBC Radio Four's Today programme, at the ceremony in the ‘Dorchester Hotel’, London.

He said: “FG Wilson continues to be a pioneer in its field and to achieve the highest renown for its superior products and business practices. The MX2003 awards are the most prestigious of their kind in the UK and we have beaten competition from notable companies across the UK to take the overall prize.

“It is testimony to the quality and commitment of our staff that our manufacturing excellence has been recognised on a national level. I extend my congratulations to our employees at each of our three plants."

MX2003 rewards UK companies for innovative work practices, competitive business nature, and excellence in their field of manufacturing.

The awards are presented to companies that have consistently endeavoured to improve their businesses through enterprise, initiative and focus.

FG Wilson was the only Northern Ireland firm to be shortlisted for an MX2003 award.

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