KEY POINTS:
The legacy of electronics pioneer Sir Angus Tait, who died yesterday aged 88, will be felt throughout the manufacturing sector and the wider community, say colleagues.
Sir Angus founded Tait Electronics in 1969 and was knighted in 1999 but managing director Michael Chick said plaudits did not affect him.
"He was not the one to seek the limelight," Chick said. "No one ever called him Sir, people didn't call him Mr - he was called Angus."
He was incredibly supportive of research and development, Chick said.
He understood "how the intellectual property that R&D gives you is actually key ... because that can drive the high margins you need if you're going to compete in Europe or America".
Christchurch-based radio communications company Tait Electronics now employs about 800 people globally and exports more than 90 per cent of production.
Sir Angus recruited from around the world and gave people responsibility.
"Having given someone the responsibility don't micro manage them, expect them to achieve what they say they're going to achieve," Chick said.
His passing was a sad loss "but the company is stronger for what he's done and will go forward strongly".
Angus joined the RNZAF at the outbreak of World War II, working on airborne radar after being posted to England.
After the war he formed A.M. Tait in 1948, selling mobile radios. The firm fell into receivership in about 1967 but after a year he took out a second home mortgage, cleared his debts and went on to found Tait Electronics in 1969.
"He put his shares into a trust so that the business will continue for as long as people like myself and the people who come after me ensure that we [are] commercially successful," Chick said.
Canterbury Manufacturers' Association chief executive John Walley said Sir Angus left a legacy within both the company he founded and the wider community.
"He was on a number of boards with me, he was on the [association's] council, the university - you name it Angus was there giving his time to it," Walley said.
He was a direct and uncomplicated man.
"Angus [with] typical clarity [said] there's only three ways to create real wealth - dig something up, grow it or make it," he said.
"And he made it."
Business NZ chief executive Phil O'Reilly said Sir Angus was a model for future business leaders.
Economic Development Minister Trevor Mallard said Sir Angus had shown the way for many other exporters.
"Sir Angus built a hugely successful exporting business, employing thousands of people since his business began and he also touched people and communities in other ways, the Tait Foundation has donated millions of dollars to important causes."
