Malcolm Dunphy MBE

Family, friends and colleagues of leading Rochdale business man, Malcolm Dunphy MBE (70) paid tribute to him after hearing of his death, following a long illness, in Springhill Hospice last Saturday (20 April).

Mr Dunphy was a director, and later chairman, of Dunphy Combustion. He was a major figure on the local business scene over many years and has left a legacy with the firm that still bears his name. His company is a real Rochdale success story driven largely by Mr Dunphy’s belief and determination to put the company and its products at the cutting edge of emerging technologies.

He was awarded the MBE in 1992 for his services to exports and his company won the Queens Award to Industry on five separate occasions for its pioneering products and its research and developmental work into energy conversation, bio-fuels and for the quality of its manufactured products which were renown throughout the world.

He became a director of the Queensway-based company 22 years ago at the age of 48.

Mr Dunphy was a firm believer in innovation and grasping technology saying: “I believe that there are many benefits reaped by those manufacturers who prioritise innovation. They find themselves leading the market in products and being the first to introduce innovative processes and equipment.

"The incentive to invest in the latest technology is to keep moving forward."

He supported many local business and training associations. He held roles as chairman of the Training & Enterprise Council and the Chamber of Commerce.

Amongst those paying tribute, Peter Carey of Sedgwick Legal said: “Malcolm was a great ambassador for Rochdale and will be much missed.”

John Kay from Molesworths Bright Clegg said: "I spent many years working with Malcolm Dunphy for the benefit of the Rochdale Business community. He was a major player in the Rochdale Training and Enterprise Council and within the Chamber of Commerce movement. I will always remember his determination to achieve. His belief was that manufacturing and not the service professions were the creators of wealth. A giant of a man who will be very much missed." 

Delphine Greenhalgh of DG Consultancy said: “I am very shocked and saddened by this news. Malcolm’s death is a great loss to the Rochdale business community.”

Tony Nugent of Anthony K Associates said: “I knew Malcolm had been unwell for some time and very sad to hear the news. He was a very strong local character who took great pride in his business and the local business community.”

In his spare time, Mr Dunphy was an enthusiastic collector of antique mechanical organs and was a keen supporter of Ellenroad Steam Museum.

He leaves behind his wife Breda and four children.