UL grants first degree on college dropout Dr Dell

Dell Computers, whose European headquarters is in Limerick, has a long-term future in the Republic, the chief executive of the company, Mr Michael Dell, said yesterday after being conferred with an honorary doctorate in economics at the University of Limerick.

It was his first degree after he dropped out of college in first year to set up Dell. His parents were happy to see him getting his degree, he said. But he wanted to thank his customers, "without whom I would have received my first degree long ago".

Mr Dell, who is now ranked as the world's sixth wealthiest man and presides over a company with a $31 billion (€33.25 billion) turnover, said he shared a vision with Irish people of a bright future in the State. His 4,500 employees in the Republic had demonstrated the ability to be competitive and adaptable, and evolve with the market.

Dell has a 15 per cent share of PC sales worldwide but is increasingly focusing on serving the business market. Mr Dell said about two-thirds of profits now come from "non-desktop computers", such as servers, storage systems, laptops and new products.

He had no plans to retire. "I'm having a great time, I wouldn't think of anything else." Earlier, when receiving his degree, he said "Dr Dell" had a nice ring to it.

"I am especially honoured to receive this degree in Ireland. Ireland is very important to Dell. Europe was Dell's first foray into globalisation. Ireland has been critical to our success." Dell Ireland, which has been established since 1991, employs 4,500 people, mainly at its manufacturing plants in Limerick. Mr Dell said the Limerick plants were the most productive and cost efficient of all of Dell's plants worldwide. Dell production amounted to 5 per cent of Irish exports and 2 per cent of GNP.

He said the Republic, as the technology powerhouse of Europe, was similar to a small company that did the same. "In many ways, Ireland and Dell are like kindred spirits. At the heart of both the Irish and Dell characters are big dreams, a passion for building and re-building and a tenacity to adapt to changing circumstances."