Steelwork sector remembers former BCSA President

Benjamin Finley Hoppe OBE, former British Constructional Steelwork Association [BCSA] President died on 25th April, aged 83, at the Royal Gwent Hospital, after a short illness.

Mr Hoppe spent more than 50 years working in the steel construction sector, founding Rowecord Engineering and serving as the BCSA’s President from 1996 to 1998.

Born in the Mumbles in 1933, Ben [as he was usually known] is remembered by all who knew him as a true gentleman, with great charisma matched with a degree of humility.

These attributes and his long illustrious steel career were recognised in 2004, when he received his OBE from Her Majesty the Queen at Buckingham Palace.

Ben’s long association with the steelwork sector began in 1950, when aged 16 he made his first career choice and joined a local firm as an Apprentice Structural Draughtsman.

Following National Service, Ben was employed by Braithwaite Engineers of Swansea. His first role was at the Port Talbot Steelworks as their Site Agent.

In 1961, while working as a Site Agent for Rees & Kirby, Ben was heavily involved in the construction of Llanwern Steelworks near Newport.

Ben was persuaded to go it alone in 1970 setting up steelwork contractor Rowecord Engineering in a small workshop at Newport’s Old Town Dock.

The company grew and undertook some of the most prestigious projects in steel construction, including Blast Furnaces, the London 2012 Olympic Aquatics Centre, the British Museum Extension and the graceful and iconic Peace Bridge in Londonderry.

As well as a busy and energetic businessman, Ben was also a keen sportsman, having represented Swansea schools at both rugby and cricket. He continued to play first team football until the age of 41 and cricket into his 50s.

Ben leaves behind his wife Val, sons Andrew and Ian, daughter Gill, and ten grandchildren.