Every successful engineering company has a story, and behind Phoenix Scientific Industries was the vision, determination and technical expertise of one man, Bill Hopkins.
It is with great sadness that we announce Bill’s passing on 28th July 2026. While he is no longer with us, his legacy lives on through the company he founded, the technologies he pioneered, and the engineers, metallurgists and customers he inspired throughout his career.
When Bill founded Phoenix Scientific Industries alongside his wife Jan Hopkins in 1987, metal powder production was a niche industry, and the potential of advanced gas atomisation and rapid solidification technologies was only just beginning to be recognised. While many saw limitations, Bill saw an opportunity. His vision was to develop equipment capable of producing the highest quality metal powders and advanced materials for the world’s most demanding industries.
Nearly four decades later, that vision continues to shape the company.
Throughout his career, Bill was at the forefront of Vacuum Inert Gas Atomisation (VIGA) technology, designing and developing numerous atomisation systems that have supplied research institutions, universities and industrial manufacturers across the globe. His work helped enable the production of spherical metal powders used in additive manufacturing, aerospace, defence, medical applications and advanced materials research.
His passion was never simply about building systems, it was about solving metallurgical challenges. Bill’s deep understanding of metallurgy, coupled with an instinct for innovation, led to the development of pioneering rapid solidification technologies, allowing researchers and manufacturers to explore new alloys, improve material performance and push the boundaries of modern manufacturing.
“An engineer by profession, a metallurgist by passion, and a visionary whose innovations continue to shape the future of metal powder production.”
Many of the technologies that Phoenix Scientific Industries offers today have their foundations in Bill’s original engineering concepts. His willingness to challenge conventional thinking and continuously refine designs established the company as one of the world’s recognised specialists in atomisation and rapid solidification equipment.
Yet Bill’s curiosity and appetite for adventure extended well beyond engineering.
A qualified pilot, he had a lifelong fascination with aviation and enjoyed the privilege of flying one of Britain’s most iconic aircraft, the legendary Spitfire. The same precision, discipline and technical appreciation required in the cockpit reflected his approach to engineering throughout his career. Bill was also an enthusiastic sailor in his younger years, finding enjoyment in the challenge and freedom of being on the water. Whether navigating the open sea or developing sophisticated metallurgical processes, he consistently demonstrated an analytical mindset.
At the heart of everything, however, remained his lifelong passion for metallurgy. It was this passion that drove decades of innovation, inspired colleagues and customers alike, and established Phoenix Scientific Industries as a trusted partner for organisations developing the next generation of advanced materials with many successful R&D programmes.
Bill’s influence reached far beyond the equipment he designed. He collaborated with researchers around the world, and approached every challenge with enthusiasm, curiosity and an unwavering commitment to engineering excellence. His work has contributed to advances in metal powder production and rapid solidification technology that continue to support industries ranging from aerospace and defence to additive manufacturing and scientific research.
Today, Phoenix Scientific Industries continues to build upon the foundations Bill created in 1987. From research-scale atomisers to large industrial VIGA systems and rapid solidification technologies, the company remains committed to the principles that Bill championed: innovation, quality, technical excellence and close collaboration with customers.
Everyone at Phoenix Scientific Industries extends their deepest condolences to Bill’s family, friends and all those who had the privilege of knowing and working alongside him. He will be greatly missed, but his vision, passion and pioneering spirit will continue to guide the company for many years to come.
As Phoenix Scientific Industries looks to the future, the company remains in the capable hands of Bill’s beloved wife and co-founder, Jan Hopkins, who has stepped into the role of Managing Director. Having stood alongside Bill since the company’s founding in 1987, Jan has been an integral part of Phoenix Scientific Industries’ journey from the very beginning and possesses a deep understanding of its values, customers and long-term vision.
Supported by the company’s experienced management team, Jan is committed to continuing Bill’s legacy while guiding Phoenix Scientific Industries through its next chapter of growth and innovation. Together, the leadership team remains focused on delivering the same exceptional levels of engineering excellence, technical expertise and customer support that have defined the business for almost forty years.
Bill Hopkins
30 October 1953 – 28 July 2026
