THE man who played a key role in turning a company into one of East Lancashire's most famous brand names has died.

Keith Martin, a former director of engineering companies Netlon Ltd and Tensar Ltd, Blackburn, died after losing his battle against cancer.

The 75-year-old spent 37 years with the Shadsworth-based businesses developing the ideas of Dr Brian Mercer, a close friend of surrealist artist Salvador Dali.

In 1952 Dr Mercer invented revolutionary plastic meshes to reinforce grass surfaces.

Mr Martin, joined the companies in 1957 working with six universities to develop the products so they could be manufactured on an industrial scale.

He also played a major part in setting up a number of Netlon and Tensar sites across the world.

Roger Duckworth, former chief executive of Netlon, paid tribute to his colleague who was a keen stamp collector and organist.

He said: "Keith was always a firm but fair boss, and well liked both within the company and outside it.

"He even made friends with his business enemies.

"Despite the fact that he never lost a court case against the many companies which infringed the Netlon and Tensar patents, he could always separate business from friendship.

"In later life he learned to play the organ to a high standard and created a number of CDs which he sold for the benefit of local charities - and his gentle but persistent sales pitch usually ensured that you didn't leave his house without one."

Netlon and Tensar products are used in a number of forms from garden fencing and packaging to racecourse turf and anti-dazzle fencing on motorways.

The Netlon brand was sold in 2005 to US-based Conwed Plastics but Tensar still operates from Shadsworth.

Mr Martin, who died on August 15, was married to Barbara and the couple lived on the Fylde coast.

After his retirement in 1994 he was an executor for the Brian Mercer Trust, set up using £10million Dr Mercer bequeathed to the Royal Society to help British engineering and science research.

His funeral is due to take place tomorrow.