A businessman who built up Petbow in Sandwich, employing 1,000 people by 1980, has died aged 93.

Richard Bird, who was made an MBE in 1974, died on Sunday at Maidstone Hospital.

Mr Bird, a widower, used to live in Kingsdown and leaves three sons, James, Edward and Richard, 12 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.

He built up Petbow to become one of the UK’s leading international exporters of generating sets.

The company won five Queen’s Awards and he became a Member of the Order of the British Empire for services to British exports.

Mr Bird started work in 1932 at the age of 14 when Petbow was formed, working in the London factory making welding electrodes.

He rose through the ranks, eventually becoming chairman, and the company moved to Sandwich in 1946.

John Ridout from Kingsdown, who was Petbow’s group marketing manager, said: “Mr Bird was involved in every facet of the company, in every stage of production, sales, shipping and planning further factory expansions.

“His vision and determination to create a successful company continued throughout his life. He was a great person to work with.”

The funeral of Mr Bird, who lived near Cranbrook, will be at 11.45am on April 17 at Maidstone Crematorium.