Smiths Group
 |
|
| Public limited company | |
| Traded as | : |
| Industry | Engineering |
| Founded | 1851 (London) |
| Founder | Samuel Smith |
| Headquarters | London, United Kingdom |
|
Area served
|
Worldwide |
|
Key people
|
Sir George W. Buckley (Chairman) Andrew Reynolds Smith (CEO) |
| Products | Detection sensors Mechanical seals (wet seals and dry gas seals) Couplings Hydrodynamic bearings Filtration systems Medical devices Electronic components Heating and ducting systems |
| Revenue | £2,897 million (2015) |
| £394 million (2015) | |
| £248 million (2015) | |
|
Number of employees
|
23,000 (2016) |
| Subsidiaries | John Crane Inc. |
| Website | smiths-group.com |
Smiths Group plc (: ) is a British multinational diversified engineering business headquartered in London, United Kingdom. It has operations in over 50 countries and employs around 23,550 staff.
Smiths Group has five divisions. Smiths Detection is the world's largest manufacturer of sensors for the detection of explosives, weapons, chemical agents, biohazards, narcotics and contraband. John Crane is a manufacturer of seals and associated products for the process industries. Smiths Medical is a manufacturer and supplier of specialty medical devices and equipment. Smiths Interconnect is a manufacturer of electronic and radio frequency components. Flex-Tek is a supplier of components to heat and move fluids and gases.
Smiths Group is listed on the and is a constituent of the FTSE 100 Index.
This remained the business's name from foundation until 1967. This watch chronometer and instrument makers business was established by Samuel Smith in London in 1851. Their premises were in The Strand and they were watchmakers to the Admiralty. Retailing and wholesaling of Smiths-branded motor accessories was added in 1904 when a Watford supplier turned out Smith's first speedometer—The Perfect Speed Indicator. Growth was fast. Smiths began to manufacture some of their own motor products particularly speedometers. From mid-1913 all motor accessories activities were carried out from handsome purpose-built premises at Speedometer House, 179-185 Great Portland Street ("Motor Row"). The premises in the Strand became a Lyons tearoom but jewellers establishments were retained at Trafalgar Square and 68 Piccadilly. By this time motor accessories production included Smiths multiple-jet carburettors (designed by Trier & Martin), lighting sets, headlamps, sidelights, tail lights, dynamo and electric starters, generators and the Smith's Auto-Clear mechanical horn.
The outbreak of war in 1914 led to the capture of markets around the world previously held by the German competition. By 1915 new War Office contracts for aeroplane accessories, lighting sets etc. and munitions required the speedy erection of a new freehold factory. The new factory, known as Cricklewood Works, was built at Cricklewood, north London. In 1921 Great Portland Street activities were moved to Cricklewood following 1920's purchase of the former Metallurgique works alongside their Cricklewood Works. Post World War I their accessories became standard fittings in new cars all provided by the manufacturer.
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Wikipedia