Newsline

Nigel Keen, Chairman of the The Laird Group PLC, a leading electronics and security systems group, which includes Laird Security Hardware, recently joined pupils and members of staff to commemorate the official opening of the Cardinal Wiseman Catholic Technology College (formerly known as Cardinal Wiseman Catholic School) in Kingstanding, Birmingham on Friday 15 October. His Grace, the Most Rev. Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Birmingham, conducted the opening ceremony.

The Laird Group, has four companies operating in the area, which specialise in the design, development, manufacture and distribution of products that enhance security for the residential home improvement market.

Laird Security Hardware (LSH) based in Tipton, which has been the key co-ordinating link between Laird and college personnel and ERA Security Products Limited based in Willenhall. The Group also owns Wolverhampton-based EWS (Manufacturing) Ltd. It has recently expanded its presence in the West Midlands even further with the acquisition of parts of the BHD Group Limited, now renamed Laird Lifestyle Products, based in Aldridge.

The Laird Group played a key role in helping the school become a technology college by acting as a key sponsor and donating the sum of £50,000, which enabled it to apply for specialist school status.

Nigel Keen, Chairman of The Laird Group PLC commented: “The West Midlands plays a crucial role in the success of Laird’s UK operations. We were therefore delighted to be able to have the chance to show our appreciation and support to the area by sponsoring the development of the new technology college which will provide young people with an extremely valuable and much needed opportunity to develop their potential and skills.”