This is an old revision of this page, as edited by GraemeLeggett (talk | contribs) at 11:16, 22 May 2006 (→History). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.
Revision as of 11:16, 22 May 2006 by GraemeLeggett (talk | contribs) (→History)(diff) ← Previous revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff)| Company type | Public (LSE: SMIN) |
|---|---|
| Industry | Engineering |
| Founded | 1851 |
| Headquarters | London, United Kingdom |
| Products | Detection Medical Aerospace Speciality engineering |
| Revenue |  £3.017 billion GBP (2005) |
| Number of employees | 27,200 (2004) |
| Website | www.smiths-group.com |
Smiths Group is a British engineering company involved in wide-ranging speciality engineering.
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 starty 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 internation 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.
Organization
Detection
Smiths Detection is a leading company in the fast growing sector of detection systems. The importance of this industry is obvious in the present context, i.e. the threat and fear of terrorism, as well as the emphasis on homeland security in the United States. Products of the company include:
- Trace detectors
For 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
Aerospace
- Actutation
Smiths Aerospace Mechanical Systems produces Electrical motors, hydraulic pistons etc. for control of flight control (flaps, slats, ailerons), landing gear and thurst reversers. - Components
Important supplier of jet engine components - Electronics
Though wide ranging this business area centres on aicraft/flight management systems.- Aerial refueling - Partner in 767 Tanker Transport
- Crew information
- Flight Control Systems (FCS)
- Navigation sytems
- 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.