The founder of multi-award-winning Staffordshire engineering company KMF has died at the age of 80. Michael Higgins passed away peacefully at UHNM following a short illness.

His funeral will take place at Bradwell Crematorium at 12 noon on November 10th. The Higgins family have requested family flowers only and there will be a collection to support the University Hospital of the North Midlands. Donations can be made in person at the funeral or online at www.justgiving.com/page/mick-higgins-1   

Michael, who was fondly known as Mick, founded KMF with two colleagues from ICL, Kidsgrove in 1971, having previously worked in the metal shop there, the founders’ initials gave KMF its name, Ken, Mick, and Fred

He worked tirelessly to grow the company from a small business, starting in Lask Edge, moving to Smallthorne and then based in Hot Lane, Burslem for several years, before moving to the current premises at High Carr Business Park, Newcastle-under-Lyme.

KMF Precision Sheet Metal now employs more than 500 people across multiple sites in the UK and Slovakia.

The company has been in the sole ownership of the Higgins family since late 2018, with Michael’s sons Gareth and Daniel at the helm.

Gareth described his father as a hardworking entrepreneur who would always go the extra mile to support KMF’s customers, suppliers, and his staff.

“Dad was hard but fair and always led by example. He was a skilled sheet metal worker and a manager who led with passion. He was never afraid to roll his sleeves up and get to work on the factory floor when orders needed completing. Dad was driven by targets and deadlines and would always ensure we got the completed jobs out on time.

“As an entrepreneur, he was always looking to grow the business and wasn’t afraid to take risks. He was the first in the country to invest in flat bed lasers, a new technique back then, but common place now. He would always invest in the latest machinery and equipment, ensuring KMF was always in the best place to grow.

“He was a young man, just 21 years old, when he started KMF. It was a courageous move for mum and dad as they had a young daughter at home. The effort he put in to building a business was phenomenal and what we have now at KMF stands as a legacy to his hard work, expertise, and business acumen.

“I know he will be sadly missed across the industry and for Dan and me, he was a brilliant mentor.”

In 2025, KMF’s production facilities operate 24/7 and serve a wide range of customers in sectors including aerospace, food processing, electrical distribution, vending and telecoms.

Michael will be greatly missed by his wife Patricia and his family and friends.