Sir David Roberts McMurtry

Abstract

Abstract Sir David Roberts McMurtry was co-founder and executive chairman of Renishaw plc, currently the UK's largest supplier of metrology equipment. He moved to the UK from Dublin in 1958 at age 18 to become an apprentice at the Bristol Aero Engines division of the Bristol Aeroplane Company (later acquired by Rolls-Royce holdings). On completion of his apprenticeship, he joined the design department as a junior designer, rocket design. He went on to hold several design positions, becoming deputy chief designer of the MD45 SD-02 engine and assistant chief of engine design in 1974. In 1972 he designed and made his first touch-trigger probe during one weekend at home. A year later, together with colleague John Deer, he founded Renishaw plc to commercialize the 3D touch-trigger probe for co-ordinate measuring machines. He resigned from full time employment at Rolls-Royce in 1976. Under Sir David McMurtry and John Deer's leadership, Renishaw has grown to become a global engineering technology group that creates high precision technology for metrology, healthcare and additive manufacturing (also known as metal 3D printing). Renishaw also designs and produces compact machines that ‘print’ parts from metal powder. From transport to agriculture, electronics and healthcare, Renishaw's breakthrough technology has transformed product performance. Renishaw has 67 key locations in 36 countries with 5000+ employees worldwide. More than 3000 people work in the UK, where much of the research, development and manufacturing is carried out.