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Empey - Fred Wilson's passing a great loss to Northern Ireland

24 February 2010

Employment and Learning Minister, Sir Reg Empey, has expressed his sadness at the news of the death of Fred Wilson OBE.

One of Northern Ireland’s leading industrialists, Mr Wilson founded the Larne-based engineering firm FG Wilson in 1966, taking the company from a small local engineering firm to a global supplier of electric power.

The Minister said: “It is with deep sadness that I learned of the passing of Fred Wilson.  Throughout his professional career, Fred was a tireless champion of Northern Ireland’s cause in the global marketplace.  His vision and drive made FG Wilson not only a leader in the field of engineering but under his guidance, FG Wilson became a byword for best practice in workforce development and training.  His passing is a huge loss to the Northern Ireland economy and to wider society, but Fred leaves a huge legacy to the manufacturing industry in the province.

“I extend my deep condolences to Fred’s family circle.”

Notes to editors:

  1. All media enquiries should be directed to the Department for Employment and Learning Communications Branch on 028 9025 7872. Out of office hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.