Top industrialist dies at the age of 83

FRED Wilson, the Lisburn man who started off as an apprentice fitter in a factory and rose to become one of Northern Ireland's leading industrialists, has died at the age of 83.

By The Newsroom

Published 24th Feb 2010, 10:35 BST

Updated 24th Feb 2010, 10:37 BST

Mr Wilson founded engineering firm FG Wilson in 1966. It began with just six employees but grew to become a global supplier of electrical generators.

He sold the Larne-based firm in 1995 and retired in 1999. Within a year, he had formed a new golf buggy business.

Last year, he was awarded an OBE for his contribution to entrepreneurship and engineering.

The father-of-four's funeral will be held on Thursday in Hillsborough.

There will be a full obituary on Mr Wilson in this week's Ulster Star