David Brown dies in road accident

"DAVID J.B. Brown CBE, the chairman and founder of Multidrive Ltd and the driving force behind introduction of the large articulated dumptruck concept to the global construction market, died in a car accident on 28 January while driving in severe winter weather near his home in Thirsk, North Yorkshire."

"Mr Brown, who was 78, had been credited with many design and manufacturing achievements in the off-highway marketplace. Starting off in the African logging industry, he became one of the most respected off-road vehicle designers in the world with fundamental and detailed new ideas across diverse product ranges."

"Following the foundation of the DJB/Artix and BDE factories in Peterlee and Stockton in the mid-1970s, he went on to receive four Queen’s Awards to Industry, a Design Council Award, a Prince Philip Design Award and was made CBE. His businesses were responsible for over £3 billion of export sales."

"In 1985 Caterpillar bought his Peterlee factory and products, where evolutions of his ADT designs are still produced today."

"In 1977 Mr Brown launched Multidrive Ltd, based in Thirsk, where he pioneered many new product concepts for the agricultural, construction and military markets worldwide, including the Multidrive tractor and the innovative M8 hauler."

"Chris Chambers of Multidrive said it was through Mr Brown’s energy and business focus that the company had become so successful in its various markets. ‘I feel there’s no better tribute to him than to continue building on this success. We will aim to mirror David Brown’s lifetime of achievements,’ he said."