AN inventor and industrialist who brought a thriving factory to Tavistock died last week in the town's hospital after a brave struggle against cancer.
Sydney Brewster, aged 87, invented the 'Antex' miniature soldering iron in the early 1950s and started manufacturing them in his living room.
He and his wife, Florence May Brewster, were the founders of Antex Electronics Ltd — formerly Brewster Precision Instruments Ltd. The firm needed proper premises and the first small factory was set up in Surrey. By 1968, the business was thriving and as larger premises were needed it relocated to Tavistock's Westbridge Industrial Estate where a 6,000 sq ft factory was built.
The business brought much employment to the area and was opened by Tavistock's then MP, Michael Heseltine.
Within a few years the business had expanded so much that Mr and Mrs Brewster built a second 6,000 sq ft factory next door to the first.
Mr Brewster retired after the death of his wife in 1978. The factory continues to prosper, selling miniature soldering irons and ancillary products worldwide.
Mr Brewster leaves a son, Richard, daughter Gillian, two grand-daughters and three grandsons.
His funeral takes place today (Thursday) at Tavistock cemetery Chapel at 11am.