Tributes have been paid to the “extraordinary man” and “trailblazer” Trevor Wheatley, who helped grow Newtown-based Control Techniques into a global business, and who has died aged 79.

A pioneer of the UK drives industry, former coal miner Mr Wheatley became a wealthy businessman and was awarded an OBE in 1990 for services to the electronics industry.

He founded the business, first known as KTK, along with Kevin Curran and Ken Briggs in south western England in 1973 before the business was relocated to Newtown, where it has remained ever since, even after it was taken over by Japanese corporation Nidec in 2017.

Mr Wheatley chaired Control Techniques during the rapid growth of the 1980s and 1990s when it dominated the UK drives industry.

His eventual departure from Control Techniques led to some acrimony, including an unsuccessful multi-million damages claim by Mr Wheatley, but the a statement from the company described its founder as a “true innovator” who took Control Techniques to “world status”.

“Control Techniques is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of one of its founding fathers, leaders and pioneers, Mr Trevor Wheatley," a statement from the company read.

"Trevor was never afraid to stand out, we know this from some of the ground-breaking promotional materials designed to grab the viewers’ attention; this philosophy to be courageous, bold, and daring to be different is one that we continue to this day.

“We want to express our sincere condolences to his family, a true innovator who took Control Techniques to world status.

“Our thoughts are with all who knew and loved him, without Trevor there would not be an us. Rest easy fellow trailblazer.”

Former Montgomeryshire Member of Parliament Glyn Davies recalled working closely with Mr Wheatley during “the best five years of my public sector life” while he was chairman of the Development Board for Rural Wales.

“He was a genuine entrepreneur whose inventiveness and restless spirit created a hugely successful world-renowned business based in Newtown, Montgomeryshire - and then the world,” Mr Davies said.

He added: “Trevor had become chairman of Control Techniques in 1984 and under his leadership created well-paid employment for a great many skilled jobs. I was well placed to know how much he achieved for mid Wales.

"Because of my involvement in the same economic development business of mid Wales, I owe him thanks of those of us who worked with and alongside him as well as for his friendship and that of Patricia, to whom I extend much sympathy.”

Newtown Rugby Club has paid tribute to Mr Wheatley as a "long standing and loyal supporter".

Newtown and Llanllwchaiarn Town councillor Rupert Taylor said: “There is no doubt Trevor was an extraordinary man whose businesses made a real difference to Newtown and the local economy.”

Control Techniques, which celebrates its 50th anniversary next year, has grown to employ hundreds of people in the Newtown area while also developing a string of world-class products. The company was sold to American company Emerson in 1995 and then to Nidec in 2017 and continues to be one of mid Wales’ largest employers.

In 1999, Mr Wheatley lost his £9million High Court claim for damages after accusing Emerson of unfair dismissal from his role as chairman of Control Techniques.

The entrepreneur decided to semi-retire after his drives business Focus Dynamics went into liquidation in 2001 which led to several employees in Newtown being made redundant.

Control Techniques will pay their respects to Mr Wheatley's memory and legacy by raising their flags at half-mast for a week starting from Monday (June 27).