Peterlee business driving World Cup bid on

Sep 2 2009 by Adam Jupp, The Journal

MOVES to bring World Cup football to Wearside have won the backing of global engineering firm Caterpillar.

The company, which employs 600 people at its Peterlee plant, has given its support to Sunderland’s campaign to be a host location for the 2018 or 2022 tournament.

City leaders want Sunderland to be included in England’s bid to stage the football festival and have to demonstrate widespread public support for its efforts.

Caterpillar is the latest business to throw its weight behind the move and the firm welcomed Black Cats stars Darren Bent and Andy Reid to its County Durham base yesterday.

Workers added their names to official Back the Bid support books, which will be submitted to the FA as part of Sunderland’s application later in the year.

Phil Handley, managing director at Caterpillar Peterlee, said: “Caterpillar is thrilled at the prospect of the World Cup coming to the region.

“Not only will our employees be able to enjoy some of the best football in the world right here on their doorstep, there will also be immense benefits to the region’s economy and international profile as well as improvements in infrastructure which is something Caterpillar is firmly engaged in on a global scale.

“As a key employer in County Durham, it is important for us and other businesses to offer our support to really drive the bid on so we’re only too pleased to welcome the bid team and players to Caterpillar Peterlee.”

:: Back the bid at www.england2018bid.com