Relationships between Irvine and China have never been stronger.

Ruiju Cai - known as Carol - who has been working with a local engineering company Allenwest Wallacetown Ltd for six years was recently presented with her professional certificate.

Carol joined Allenwest in 2004 having already gained a Masters degree in Electrical Engineering in China and a Masters degree in Business Administration from Stirling University.

On Friday she was presented with a Chartered Engineering Certificate by Dr Peter Hughes OBE, FREng, Chief Executive of Scottish Engineering at a ceremony in the Irvine plant.


Dr Hughes said: "It is a great achievement for Carol to gain here Chartered Engineering Certificate which registers her as a professional engineer. I am delighted for her and for her colleagues at Allenwest."

Carol's sponsor, Jim Whitelaw, Electronics Manager added his congratulations: "Carol is not only a valued member of our electronic engineering design team but has already acquired a real Scottish sense of humour. She is a great asset to Allenwest and obtaining her Chartered status is a major achievement in her career."

Also at the ceremony two staff members were presented with long service certificates, Allan Hutchison, a design engineer with 40 years service and Barrie Williams a welder with 20 years service.

Dr Hughes added: "It is always satisfying to present long service certificates. It is a tribute to both the organisation and to the workers."

(GK)