Kingston Aviation

Mike Frain

Name:
Michael Frain
Biographical Details:
Michael Frain became Deputy Works Engineer at the Richmond Road factory when he joined Hawkers from Unilever in 1972. As Works Engineer he attempted over the next two decades – with eventual success – to persuade management and the trade unions to adopt more modern manufacturing practices. Nevertheless, in 1990 British Aerospace announced the closure of Kingston. Michael was responsible for decommissioning the factory and he finally turned the key on 80 years of aviation in the Royal Borough.