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| Date: | 02-Dec-2005 |
| Title: | First Minister salutes Graig group expansion |
| First Minister salutes Graig group expansion FIRST Minister, Welsh Assembly Government, Rhodri Morgan has paid tribute to the innovation and global outlook which has transformed Cardiff Bay-based Graig Group into a leading international company. Speaking today at the opening of Graig's new offices, atop the new Caspian Point building, Mr Morgan said, "I'm very pleased to be asked to open these offices, because Graig is a Welsh company which is competing strongly in the global economy. This is a great base for them. Graig is showing the world how Welsh-led innovation can harness technical and financial expertise around the world." Mr Morgan opened the offices accompanied by the Vietnamese ambassador, His Excellency Mr Trinh Duc Du, and Mr Hugh Williams, ceo of Graig. Hugh Williams said, "This bright, modern space with fantastic views is a sign of the outward looking philosophy which has seen us investing in China, Vietnam, India and Germany. Each global move has strengthened our core business here in Wales, and we welcome the support of Rhodri Morgan and his colleagues at the Welsh Assembly. We are one of the first shipping companies in the world to recognise the potential of the Vietnamese shipbuilding industry, and we have built close links with them, so I am especially pleased that Mr Trinh Duc Du is able to join us today." Graig Shipping was founded in Cardiff in 1919 by Idwal Williams at a time when there were over 200 shipping companies based in Cardiff. From that era only one company remains, Graig. But it is a strong company, and over the last year it has expanded its existing operation overseeing the building of ships in China to build exciting and innovative new ship designs in Vietnam and India. It has also opened a subsidiary in Hamburg, Germany, to finance and manage ships. Today the company designs, finances and builds ships for itself and a variety of international owners, and manages a fleet of 15 ships trading world wide. While active internationally, Graig remains passionate about its Welsh roots. The word 'Graig' in Welsh means 'rock' and the company colours are those of the Welsh flag. Its head office in Cardiff Bay is the home of its senior management and the staff of its core activities. |
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