15/12/09
Wright Group founder recognised for major engineering achievements
Release to: Coach Journals
Date: December 2009
Title: Wright Group founder recognised for major engineering achievements
Dr William Wright OBE receiving the award from the IET’s President, Professor Christopher Snowden
The founder of ambitious Co Antrim-based bus maker The Wright Group has been recognised for his “major and distinguished” contribution to the transport sector by the UK Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), it was confirmed today.
Dr William Wright OBE, who built up what was originally a small family business into a leading innovative brand that produces thousands of buses sold around the world, was in London this week to take receipt of the Coales Medal for Achievement in Transport.
The IET is one of the world’s leading professional societies for the engineering and technology community, with more than 150,000 members in 127 countries and offices in Europe, North America and Asia-Pacific. Its medals are only awarded to nominees who have made major and distinguished contributions in the various sectors of engineering and technology.
Dr Wright, 82, said he was honoured to receive the award.
“It is a deep honour to receive this award from such an eminent engineering institution,” he said.
“On behalf of everyone at The Wright Group, I’m extremely proud to receive this special award. Our ambition is to deliver breakthrough advances in technology and innovation and I am thrilled that the leadership we have shown has been recognised in this way.”
The IET judging panel looks for outstanding and sustained excellence in one or more activities, for example, research and development, innovation, design, manufacturing, technical management, promotion of engineering and technology before making its final decision.
A spokesman for the IET said: “The Wright Group attracts engineers of all disciplines worldwide and has a strong relationship with universities to attract aspiring engineers. At the age of 82, Dr Wright shows no signs of slowing down. He is still involved in the business and is currently managing the next generation of hybrid electric buses.
