David McMurtry facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir
David McMurtry
|
|
|---|---|
McMurtry in 2012
|
|
| Born |
David Roberts McMurtry
15 March 1940 Clontarf, Dublin, Ireland
|
| Died | 9 December 2024 (aged 84) |
| Education | Mountjoy School |
| Years active | 1958–2024 |
| Title | Chairman and co-founder, Renishaw plc |
| Spouse(s) | Teresa McMurtry |
| Children | 3 |
Sir David Roberts McMurtry (born March 15, 1940 – died December 9, 2024) was a brilliant Irish-British inventor and businessman. He was best known as the co-founder and leader of Renishaw plc. This company is one of the biggest suppliers of special measuring tools in the UK. These tools are used to measure things very precisely.
David McMurtry was a billionaire, meaning he had a lot of money. His net worth was estimated at about US$1.3 billion in December 2024. He was a very important person in the world of engineering and technology.
Contents
Early Life and School
David Roberts McMurtry was born on March 15, 1940. His birthplace was Clontarf, Dublin, in Ireland. He grew up in Dublin and went to Mountjoy School there. This school is now called Mount Temple Comprehensive School. When he was 18, in 1958, David moved to the UK.
His Amazing Career
David McMurtry started his career in 1958. He joined a company called Bristol Aeroplane Company as an apprentice. This means he learned a trade while working. In 1966, his company was bought by Rolls-Royce Holdings. He then became a top designer there. He worked on important projects like the engines for the Concorde airplane.
In 1973, he invented his first "trigger probe." This was a special tool used for very accurate measurements. It was a big step forward in manufacturing.
Starting Renishaw
In 1973, David McMurtry teamed up with his friend John Deer. Together, they started their own company, Renishaw plc. The company grew quickly. In 1983, it became a public company, meaning people could buy shares in it.
In 1987, McMurtry bought the rights to his trigger probe invention from Rolls-Royce Holdings. This allowed Renishaw to make and sell these probes. In 1989, he was recognized as a Royal Designer for Industry. This is a special honor for top designers.
David McMurtry stepped down as the main boss of Renishaw in 2018. He was replaced by William Lee. In 2024, he also stepped down as chairman. He stayed on the company's board as an advisor.
A Big Decision
In 2021, David McMurtry and John Deer thought about selling their shares in Renishaw. They felt they were getting older. The company even started looking for a buyer. However, after looking at different offers, they decided not to sell. They felt none of the offers were good enough.
His Personal Life
David McMurtry was married to Teresa. They had three children together. He lived in a town called Wotton-under-Edge in England.
In 2001, McMurtry began building a very special house called Swinhay House. It was a futuristic eco-house that cost a lot of money. This amazing house even appeared in an episode of the famous BBC show Sherlock.
David McMurtry passed away on December 9, 2024. He was 84 years old.
Awards and Special Honors
David McMurtry received many awards for his work. Here are some of them:
- In 1979, he received the Queen's Award for Enterprise. This award recognizes successful UK businesses.
- He was given the CBE in 1994. This is a high honor from the British King or Queen.
- He was made a knight in 2001. This means he could use the title "Sir" before his name.
- He was an honorary fellow of several universities, including Cardiff University and Heriot-Watt University.
- He was also a fellow of important engineering groups. These include the Institution of Mechanical Engineers and the Royal Academy of Engineering.
- In 2011, he was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society. This is one of the oldest and most respected scientific organizations in the world.
- He won the MacRobert Award and the Katharine Burr Blodgett Medal and Prize for his inventions.
- In 2019, he received the James Watt International Gold Medal.
See also
- McMurtry Spéirling
