THE founders of Gloucestershire-based engineering company Renishaw have been honoured for their outstanding contribution to British engineering.

Sir David McMurtry and John Deer were one of just four industry titans honoured for their outstanding contribution to British engineering.

They both received Outstanding Contribution to UK Industry Awards at the Manufacturing Technologies Association’s Centenary Dinner held recently at the Park Plaza Hotel in Westminster.

Sir David and John Deer founded Renishaw in 1973 following the invention of the touch trigger probe, a device which revolutionised three-dimensional co-ordinate measurement.

Throughout its history Renishaw has been dedicated to research and development (R&D), annually investing 13 to 18 per cent of sales back into R&D.

Until 1976 the company was based at John Deer’s home in Chepstow, Wales, but today it is a global brand employing over 5,000 people in 36 countries.

“At Renishaw, we all feel extremely proud of Sir David and John’s achievements over the past 45 years,” said Will Lee, Renishaw’s Chief Executive, who accepted the award on Sir David’s behalf.

“From modest beginnings in John’s house in Chepstow, they have overseen the growth of a hugely successful global company based on their founding principles of disruptive innovation, high quality manufacturing, excellent customer support and the development of talented people. It is a great honour for them to be recognised for their contributions to UK industry during the MTA’s centenary year.”

James Selka DL, CEO of the MTA, said “Sir David and John’s achievements are a true British success story. Renishaw has grown from strength to strength under their guidance and innovation. They have been great supporters of the MTA throughout their history and champions of engineering excellence, so it was a real honour to present them with the Outstanding Contribution to UK Industry Awards at our centenary dinner.”

The MTA is the UK’s trade body for the manufacturing technology companies responsible for designing and supplying equipment that drives the nation’s economy. The association also promotes the interests and voice of its affiliates by providing networking, professional representation and learning and development opportunities for its members.