Corby concrete magnate who founded family firm behind some of the country's largest infrastructure projects dies aged 89
Michael Boyle, the founder of MPB Structures, has died after a short illness.
MPB has been based in Corby for more than 30 years, and has its headquarters at Crucible Road.
One of the town’s biggest employers, it has more than 1,000 staff, many of them from Corby. The highly successful firm has worked on huge projects including the redevelopment of Battersea Power Station and Birmingham New Street Station, Salford’s Media City, Riverside Studios at Hammersmith, Liverpool’s West Tower and Leicester Space Station. MPB also masterminded the new bridges over the Midland Mainline following electrification and helped build the HSBC HQ in Birmingham.
Michael Boyle started the firm in 1986 after a spell working for Sir Robert McAlpine’s concrete gangs, and built it up to become the sixth largest concrete contractor in the UK.
In an obituary, the firm said: “It is with great sadness that we share the news that our amazing founder, Michael Boyle, passed away peacefully on May 6.
“Michael was an incredible husband to Lena and a much-loved dad to Michael, Patrick, Teresa, Mary and Sean. He was also a cherished grandad, great-grandad, friend and leader.
“Michael was the founder of MPB Structures Limited, now the sixth-largest concrete contractor in the UK - a company he cared deeply about and always wanted to see progress.
“Mick and his wife, Lena, were married in Small Heath, Birmingham, where he started out working on the concrete gangs with Sir Robert McAlpine. He went on to build a highly respected business, creating employment and providing for families across the Midlands and the UK.
“Mick was fondly known as “The Horse Boyle” because of his incredible ability to drive high production of rebar and concrete on major projects, including Hinkley Point A, Humber Bridge, Scunthorpe Steel Works, Kishorn, and many, many more.
“As his family have said, theirs was a journey grounded in hard work, opportunity and loyalty to those around them - values that Mick carried throughout his life.
“Mick believed in people, in community and in supporting grassroots sport. His support was genuine, consistent and deeply appreciated by everyone in GAA sports, rugby, football and boxing.
“Above all, Michael cared about people. He wanted the very best for his family, for everyone who worked with us and for all those connected to MPB. Most importantly, he was passionate about keeping people safe at work.”
His funeral will be a celebration of his life, and will take place at Oundle School Chapel on Friday (May 29), followed by a gathering at the Black Horse, Elton. The family asks attendees to wear colour instead of black ties.