29 March 2000

ADAM INGRAM OPENS £500,000 CENTRE TO GENERATE PEOPLE POWER

Minister of State, Adam Ingram, this morning opened a £500,000 Continuing Education Centre at FG Wilson's in Larne, which the company hopes will generate the people power it needs to keep its place as a world leader.

Speaking as he opened the 1,000 sq metres Centre at the company's plant in Larne, Mr Ingram said: "Businesses will only succeed now and in future if they are prepared to invest in their people and develop their knowledge and skills. FG Wilson has very clearly recognised this and that is why they are world leaders in their field.

"They have also realised that the business world is constantly changing, moving forward and becoming increasingly competitive. To succeed you must move with it - standing still is a recipe for failure.

"This new Continuing Education Centre will help ensure that FG Wilson do indeed move forward. It will complement the company's development programme by helping to ensure that its employees are fully trained and equipped to deal with growth, change, the introduction of more and more sophisticated technology and all the other aspects of business in a global environment.

"That is not just good for FG Wilson - it is good for Northern Ireland," the Minister added.

Stephen Torrans, FG Wilson Vice President People Services said: "This new resource is a sign of the high value we place on our people and in the concept of continuing learning, both of which are central to the achievement of our business objectives.

"We believe that enhancing the skills and abilities of our employees is directly and rapidly translated into superior products, services and results."

NOTES TO EDITORS:

Established in 1966, FG Wilson was acquired by Caterpillar Inc in 1999 and is now part of the largest group of diesel, gas and turbine providers in the world and ships generators to 170 countries around the world.

Employing more than 2,400 employees, the company's turnover for the year ended 31 December 1999 was £274 million.

For further information, photographs, etc, please contact Simon Burrowes on 01232 257831 or 0850 976067.