FG Wilson's 'innovation' hailed by Trade Minister

During a visit to FG Wilson's Larne facility today, Trade Minister Sir Reg Empey hailed the local company for its use of innovative techniques in its production processes, products and employee training programmes.

Sir Reg was visiting the company to mark FG Wilson's winning of the prestigious Process Innovation Award in the Institute of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) Manufacturing Excellence Awards 2002 (MX2002).

The Minister said: “FG Wilson is well established as one of our most successful engineering businesses and continues to set a fast pace for competitors through its dedication to continuous improvement in all its operations.

“Winning this important national award is a tremendous achievement for an entrepreneurial business which is now a world leader in the design, manufacture and marketing of its own range of branded diesel power generating sets and that also produces generating sets for Caterpillar Inc, its parent company.

“FG Wilson is an enthusiastic supporter of Invest NI trade and business improvement initiatives. The award, therefore, will also serve to showcase the importance of business improvement techniques in enhancing overall competitiveness to other local companies,” added Sir Reg.

The Minister also toured the Larne facility with Dr Mark Sweeney, FG Wilson Managing Director, and met other members of the management team and employees.

Organised and run by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, MX2002 recognises and rewards the latest innovations and developments in manufacturing process.

FG Wilson (Engineering), which employs 2,350 people at plants in Larne, Monkstown and Springvale (West Belfast), was among a total of eight category awards presented to companies from throughout the UK that have achieved and consistently endeavoured to improve their business through enterprise, initiative and focus.

(MB)