The Deputy Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Bréanainn Lyness, has expressed gratitude to Graham Whitehurst MBE as his tenure as Chair of the Mid and East Antrim Manufacturing Task Force (MTF) comes to an end.
Speaking about Mr. Whitehurst’s contributions, the Deputy Mayor said:
“I want to sincerely thank Graham for his outstanding leadership over the past five years. His dedication has played a vital role in driving collaboration, innovation, and growth within the manufacturing sector in our Borough.
“Under his guidance, businesses have embraced green growth, digitalisation, and skills development. His ability to build strong partnerships between local businesses and key stakeholders across Northern Ireland has laid a strong foundation for future opportunities.
“I am grateful for his commitment to promoting Mid and East Antrim as a manufacturing powerhouse and the lasting legacy he leaves behind. I wish him every success in his future endeavours.”
Since assuming the role in 2020, Graham Whitehurst has significantly expanded the MTF network, which now includes over 50 active businesses and stakeholders. His leadership has focused on three key pillars essential to the manufacturing sector: skills development, productivity, and cleantech innovation.
Key achievements during his tenure include:
Steering the MTF through the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Promoting cleantech initiatives such as the award-winning Hydrogen Training Academy and the CleanTech Collaborative Growth Network.
Establishing Northern Ireland’s first industry Lean Network to help businesses improve efficiency and productivity.
Strengthening engagement between businesses and local schools to inspire the next generation of manufacturing professionals.
Most recently, Mr. Whitehurst hosted the Activate Your Curiosity STEAM event at The Braid Centre in Ballymena. The event featured a keynote speech from Professor Brian Cox CBE FRS and interactive workshops delivered by leading manufacturing companies, including Kilwaughter Minerals, Ryobi, Wrightbus, and Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies.
With over 30 years of experience in the manufacturing sector, Mr. Whitehurst has held senior management roles at international companies, including General Manager of Michelin, Ballymena, and Operations Director of Wrightbus. He later established his own consultancy to support SMEs in improving efficiency and productivity.
Graham Whitehurst MBE will officially step down as Chair of the Manufacturing Task Force on Monday, 31 March 2025, before relocating to England with his family.
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