Passengers at Washington DC’s Dulles Airport move through security with astonishing speed, leaving those at Heathrow Airport in awe. Dulles Airport is equipped with state-of-the-art scanning machines that have the ability to detect any undesirable objects, all without the need to remove shoes and belts. Smiths Group, a lesser-known UK enterprise, is the proud brand behind these innovative scanners, making a significant impact in the world of airport security. The company’s scanners will soon be installed in major UK airports by next summer.
Smiths Group has a rich history of technological advancements dating back over a century. Their headquarters, located in London’s St James’s, proudly displays the company’s heritage, including the Smiths De Luxe watch worn by Sir Edmund Hillary on his historic ascent of Mount Everest in 1953. Although Smiths Group is no longer in the watch-making business, it continues to embrace its British roots and spirit of innovation.
Aside from airport security scanners, Smiths Group has been involved in groundbreaking projects such as supporting India’s successful moon landing and producing the communications module for the Mars rover. Despite its involvement in these exciting advancements, the company has faced challenges in capturing the attention of investors. However, with the arrival of Paul Keel as the CEO in 2021, the tides are changing. Under Keel’s leadership, Smiths Group’s shares have seen a 20% increase, although they still trade at a lower value compared to their industry peers.
One of Keel’s notable achievements was overseeing the sale of Smiths Medical, a move that helped streamline the company and improve its performance in the stock market. Today, Smiths Group consists of four divisions: John Crane, which specializes in industrial seals; Smiths Detection, the provider of airport security scanners; Flex-Tek, which focuses on fluid and gas movement; and Smiths Interconnect, which supplies advanced communications products for satellites and aircraft.
To further strengthen its business, Smiths Group recently acquired Heating and Cooling Products (HCP), expanding its capabilities in the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning sector. Keel believes that this acquisition, coupled with the company’s eight consecutive quarters of growth, will propel Smiths Group further forward.
As a long-term thinker, Keel emphasizes the importance of effective management techniques such as “Six Sigma” and “Hoshin Kanri” in ensuring the success of a company. Despite his American background and Smiths Group’s US-based divisions, Keel firmly affirms the company’s commitment to its London roots and the value it derives from its 170-year history.
Smiths Group sees its future growth in becoming an integral part of solving engineering problems that matter to the world. Its products and services are already widely used in major airports and industries. The company is also capitalizing on the shift towards greener energy by participating in projects related to hydrogen usage and reducing carbon emissions.
Although Smiths Group has faced skepticism in the past, Keel is confident in the company’s ability to achieve even more and prove the doubters wrong. The company’s upgraded growth forecasts, record half-year results, and expanded profit margins demonstrate its trajectory towards continued success.
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