Tributes have been paid to the Risca-born entrepreneur Dr Alfred Gooding OBE.
The son of a miner, he began his career in the construction industry in 1959 with Modern Building Wales Ltd and went on to become one of the biggest names in Welsh business.
The company built 7,000 homes across Wales before Dr Gooding went on to establish steel lintel manufacturer Catnic in Caerphilly with Brian Robinson.
The former chairman of CBI Wales is recognised as revolutionising the building industry through Catnic and established nearly 50 businesses, such as Race Electronics, creating hundreds of jobs in Wales and further afield.
In 2009, the Chambers of Commerce Business recognised Gooding’s contribution to Welsh business by awarding him with the Lifetime Achievement Award.
The following year he was awarded a fellowship from the University of Wales.
Dr Gooding passed away peacefully on January 29 aged 85.
Christine Wilde, Managing Director at Catnic said: “We are all extremely sad to hear the news of Alfred Gooding.
“In a career that spanned over 50 years, he founded our business in 1969, and helped to revolutionise the building industry from right here in Caerphilly. Our thoughts remain with his family at this difficult time.”
Ian Price, CBI Wales director, said: “The CBI in Wales is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of our former chairman Alf Gooding OBE.
“Alf was very much a true Welsh entrepreneur and was one of the leading names in the business community in 80s and 90s.
“What he achieved at Catnic and Race Electronics is still very much remembered. His contribution to Welsh-business life is unquestioned.”