FROM THE MEC ARCHIVE: Britannia Tower demolition 1982

MEC Precision Engineering (previously M E Cooper & Son), acted as primary contractors on the demolition of the Britannia works in Thurmaston in the early 1980s.

Dave Cooper (son of the founder Malcolm Cooper) worked on the project and still works for the company today. Dave recalls how the wrecking ball bounced off the tower due to its concrete structure, forcing them to call in the explosive experts to complete the demolition.

Current Owner and Director Roy Robson (nephew of Malcolm Cooper), also recalls going on site as a keen 11 year old with his father, who also worked on the project.

We hasten to add that Health & Safety has moved on significantly since then!