Kenneth Fraser
Kenneth Fraser (1874-1941), managing director of the Yorkshire Copper Works
1941 Obituary [1]
KENNETH FRASER had a distinguished career in the non-ferrous metals industry. He was born at Stockton-on-Tees in 1874, and in 1890 commenced his training for a commercial career with the Stockton Malleable Iron Company, Ltd., for whom he was chiefly engaged in the accounting and costs departments. From 1897 to 1907 he held appointments with Messrs. Elliott's Metal Company, Ltd., in Birmingham and later at Pembrey, South Wales, where he was placed in charge of the smelting works.
In 1907 he went to Leeds and became general manager of the Yorkshire Copper Works, Ltd., being responsible for the works engaged in the production of non-ferrous tubes. He was appointed managing director in 1920 and later vice-chairman of the company, and retained that position up to the time of his death, which occurred on 17th February 1941.
Mr. Fraser was elected a Companion of the Institution in 1932 and was also an Associate of the Institution of Naval Architects. He was a Freeman of the City of London, a vice-president of the Federation of British Industries, and chairman of the Leeds and District Branch of the Federation. Moreover, he was an active Member of Council of the Leeds Chamber of Commerce and also served on the Empire and Foreign Trade Committee, and was also chairman of the Leeds National Savings Committee, to which he devoted much of his time and energy.
1941 Obituary [2]
Mr. Kenneth Fraser, Vice-Chairman and Managing Director of the Yorkshire Copper Works, Ltd., died at his home in Leeds on February 17, 1941.
Kenneth Fraser was born at Stockton-on-Tees in 1874 and educated at the Quaker School.
On leaving school he began his training with the Stockton Malleable Iron Co., Ltd., later merged in the South Durham Iron and Steel Co., Ltd.
After some years as manager of Elliott's Metal Co., Birmingham, and a short period in South Wales, he joined the Yorkshire Copper Works, Ltd., in 1907 as general manager. His work took him over both North and South America as well as Europe, and in addition Fraser found time to take part in national affairs.
He was Vice-President of the Federation of British Industries, Chairman of the Leeds branch of the Federation, a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, and a Freeman of the City of London.
When war broke out Fraser devoted his energies towards furthering the national effort, and the extra strain brought on by his work on behalf of the National Savings movement and the War Weapons campaign in Leeds contributed to his early death.
Fraser was an original member of the Institute of Metals.
1941 Obituary [3]