The co-founder of Gloucestershire-based global engineering firm, Renishaw, has died at the age of 84. Sir David McMurtry, who founded the Wotton-under-Edge-based company with his former colleague John Deer in 1973, was an inventor and technology entrepreneur, responsible for developing many of Renishaw’s products.
In fact, Sir David originally founded Renishaw to develop the touch-trigger probe, a precision measuring tool for use on the Concorde supersonic jet.
Today, Renishaw employs around 2,600 people in Gloucestershire, and a similar number in 36 countries round the world.
Sir David, who was knighted in 2001, stepped down as executive chairman in June this year, but remained on the board as a non-executive director.
The Irish-born businessman was named in the Sunday Times Rich List for 2024, with an estimated wealth of £1.25bn – up £128m from the year previously.
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Sir David Grant, interim non-executive chairman, Renishaw, said on behalf of the company’s board: “David was a uniquely talented engineer and his curiosity and drive helped to create a globally respected engineering company.
“His legacy will live on through the culture of innovation he helped to create in Renishaw. The board’s deepest sympathies are with David’s wife and family.”
Sir David McMurtry was also the owner of McMurtry Automotive, a company focused on designing, engineering and building hypercars that push the limits of downforce technology.
Sir David is survived by his wife and three children.
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