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Smiths Group

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Smiths Group plc
File:Smiths group.PNG
Company typePublic (LSE: SMIN)
IndustryEngineering
Founded1851
HeadquartersLondon, United Kingdom
ProductsDetection
Medical
Aerospace
Speciality engineering
RevenueGB£3.523 billion (2006)
Number of employees31,700 (2006)
SubsidiariesSmiths Aerospace
Websitewww.smiths-group.com

Smiths Group is a British engineering company involved in wide-ranging speciality engineering activities. The then-Smiths Industries almost doubled in size in 2000 with the merger with TI Group plc.

History

The company that became Smiths started as clock and watch business in the mid 19th century. A family business, it was founded by Samuel Smith in 1851. At the start of the 20th century and the age of the automobile they produced the first British odometer ("mileometer") and speedometer. In the 1930s Smiths agreed a trading deal with Lucas whereby the two would not compete in certain areas and Lucas took on part of Smiths non-instrumentation assets. Smiths became the domiant supplier of instruments to British motorcar and motorcycle firms.

Separate Smiths Aviation and Smiths Marine divisions were setup in 1958. In 1960, an Industrial division was formed whose main operations were industrial instrumentation. With increasing diversification and international operations the Smiths Industries Ltd. was adopted in 1965 to reflect wider operations. The contribution of clocks and watches to the business declined and Smiths stopped being the direct supplier of motor equipment to European car producers.

On September 18, 2000 Smiths announced its intention to merge with TI Group. TI had major interests in aerospace, industrial seals and automotive parts. The merger was completed on December 4, 2000. The company's name was changed to Smiths Group plc on November 30, 2000.

Smiths is planning to divest its aerospace subsidiary to General Electric. The deal will be announced on January 15, 2007.

Trivia

  • Smiths were a major supplier of aircraft autopilots from the 50s through to the 70s. They pioneered the first "CAT III" autoland systems that were certified for operation in blind conditions.

Organisation

Detection

Smiths Detection is a leading company in the fast growing sector of detection systems. Products of the company include:

  • Trace detectors - For the detection of chemical and biological agents, chemicals or explosives.
  • X-Ray security systems
  • Biometrics - Authentication, i.e. establishing the identity of an individual by measurement of physiological or behavioral features
  • Metal detectors
  • Product inspection systems - Systems for quality control of products (e.g. food).

Medical

  • Airway management
  • Needle protection
  • Ambulatory infusion
  • Medication delivery
  • Patient monitoring
  • Temperature Management

Aerospace

Main article: Smiths Aerospace

General Electric is acquiring the aerospace division.

  • Actuators - Electrical motors, hydraulic pistons etc. for control of flight control (flaps, slats, ailerons), landing gear and thrust reversers.
  • Components - an important supplier of jet engine components
  • Electronics - although covering a wide range of products centred on aircraft and flight management systems. Including aerial refueling (a partner in the 767 Tanker Transport), Crew information, Flight Control Systems (FCS), Navigation and Power Distribution Systems.

Speciality engineering

  • Flexible Technologies
  • Interconnect
  • John Crane
  • Kelvin Hughes Limited (Marine Systems)
  • Tubular Systems
    • Titeflex - flexible fluid hoses
    • Lewis and Saunders - tubular assemblies
    • Gastite - fuel piping products.

References

  1. "Engineering rivals to merge". BBC News. 2000-09-18. Retrieved 2006-09-25.
  2. ^ "Smiths Nears Aerospace Sale." Singer, J. The Wall Street Journal. January 15, 2007.
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