Respected Welsh manufacturing leader and Amcanu Managing Director Owain Davies has died aged 55 following a plane crash in Switzerland.
Mr Davies died on Tuesday, 15 September, following the crash of a Cirrus SR22T light aircraft in the Fluhalp area near Leukerbad.
A passionate and experienced pilot himself, he was travelling as a passenger alongside two close friends, who also lost their lives in the crash.
Mr Davies was Managing Director of Burry Port-based specialist enclosure design and manufacturing company Amcanu, a family business founded by his father, Spencer Davies OBE, in 1975.
Having grown up around the company, he took over its leadership in 2000 and played a central role in its subsequent development.
He was particularly passionate about apprenticeships, skills development and creating opportunities for people to build careers within Welsh manufacturing, becoming a mentor to many within the business.
His contribution to business and community life extended well beyond Amcanu.
A proud Welshman and Welsh speaker, Mr Davies was a longstanding advocate for Welsh manufacturing and had served as a council member of CBI Wales, where he also chaired its SME Enterprise Forum.
He became a Trustee of Wales Air Ambulance Charity in 2017, contributing his own aviation experience through its Aviation Subgroup.
He also served for nearly 25 years as a helmsman with Burry Port Lifeboat and spent a decade as a governor at Parc y Tywyn primary school.
Burry Port remained an important part of his life, and over many years he supported local schools, sporting organisations, community groups and charities.
His son, Aron Davies, said:
“Dad was a real character. He was driven, determined and someone who simply didn't accept that a problem was too big to solve.
“I am immensely proud of everything he achieved, but I am even prouder to have had him as my father. He was my mentor throughout my life, personally and in business, and I know many people at Amcanu will feel that they have lost a mentor too.
“Our family has suffered an unimaginable loss, and we are incredibly grateful for the kindness and support already being shown to us.”
Amcanu described Mr Davies as strong-willed, spirited, determined and deeply caring, with an ability to approach challenges with energy and conviction.
One of his frequently used expressions was: “There are no such things as problems… only opportunities.”
The company said family was at the centre of his life. He was devoted to his wife Michelle, immensely proud of his children Aron and Ffion, and a grandfather to Oakley and Albie.
Amcanu has also confirmed that the Davies family remains closely involved in the company and that an established leadership team will continue to oversee its day-to-day operations.
The company said all existing customer orders and commitments remain secure, while plans for the next stage of Amcanu's development, which had already been discussed and agreed with Mr Davies, will continue.
Mr Davies leaves his wife Michelle, children Aron and Ffion, father Spencer, and grandchildren Oakley and Albie.
