A Chara, - We were very interested by Kevin Johnston's piece ("Sectarianism and the Shipyard", November 29th) synopsising his book about us. Historic sectarianism in the shipyard, like that in the wider community, is hardly a revelation, but we would be keen to correct some serious inaccuracies and factual howlers lest your readers had the wrong impression of today's Harland and Wolff.
Firstly, Harland and Wolff Heavy Industries has successfully diversified and reinvented itself to become a successful, stable and profitable company.
Alongside our traditional activities in shipbuilding and the oil and gas industry, we have successfully entered highly specialised markets such as marine renewable energy with a number of high-profile contracts in offshore wind, wave and tidal green power generators, as reported in this newspaper!
Secondly, we are an equal opportunities employer with representation at all levels of the company from all sides of our community. We have excellent relations with trades unions and rely on these to maintain the quality of our work.
Most astonishing is Johnston's assertion that we have become part of the entertainment industry. Both Samson and Goliath, the twin iconic cranes framing Belfast's skyline, are in full, daily use and are committed to heavy engineering projects through 2009 and beyond.
We hope this sets the record straight. - Yours, etc,