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Smiths |
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In May 2007 Smiths Group completed the sale of its aerospace business, containing the bulk of its military-related production, to General Electric. The following information pre-dates the takeover. World ranking: 31 Smiths Group plc, 765 Finchley Road, London NW11 8DS BackgroundSmiths is a wide-ranging group with Aerospace, Medical, Sealing Solutions and Industrial businesses. Its military work is concentrated in the dominant Aerospace business, which includes a rapidly expanding 'Detection' section, producing devices to detect explosives, narcotics and biological and chemical agents. Though a UK-based company, nearly 50% of its production is in the US, with 29% in the UK, 15% in the rest of Europe and 7% elsewhere.2 What it makes Smiths Group, through its Aerospace business, is a first-tier supplier to UK and US aircraft and engine manufacturers. It produces 'integrated aerospace systems, including electronic and actuation systems and components for civil and military aircraft. Also equipment for land, naval and marine and other defence applications.'3 Gun pods for Hawk jets, gun-turret actuators for Apache attack helicopters and cockpit control panels for the B-2 bomber, F-16 fighter and the A-10A 'tank-buster' provide a few examples of their products.4 The proportion of Smiths' work that is military is steadily increasing. Smiths' 2002 Annual Review states that the reduction in civil aircraft production 'was counterbalanced by rising requirements for our military aerospace and detection products. We have established strong market positions in both military and detection and expect sales to grow strongly over the next few years.'5 The Annual Review goes on to state that 'the biggest business win of the year was the F-35 fighter aircraft [the Joint Strike Fighter], where we have secured business worth around $1m per plane... More than 3,000 F-35s are planned to be built and the programme should make a major contribution to the division's long-term growth.' The Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) is set to replace the F-16, the most numerous western fighter in service, and is anticipated to be exported around the world. Israel and Turkey are already formally involved in the programme, even before the aircraft is ready for production. Exports In 2002, Smiths received unwelcome attention amid the growing concern over Israeli activities in the Occupied Territories - it was reported by the Guardian that missile trigger systems made by Smiths Group were used in US-made Apache attack helicopters supplied to Israel.6 However, such revelations are rare - not because Smiths' equipment is not being used by oppressive regimes or in regions of conflict or tension, but because we generally hear only about the company that markets the complete weapons system. Smiths' military involvement is far less widely known than its size merits. References
Unless otherwise indicated, world ranking (by military sales), military sales and military sales percentage are sourced from Defense News (21.7.03) and refer to 2002
1 Smiths Annual Review 2002. Estimated using UK-US breakdown of
turnover by origin Company Websites (including subsidiaries & joint ventures) Smiths Group |
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[Published: September 2003] |
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