Smiths Detection consolidates activities under Fuel for Growth programme

Smiths Detection, a division of global technology business Smiths Group, today announces a range of cost-efficiency initiatives as part of its Fuel for Growth programme to enhance its competitive position in challenging markets.

After a thorough review of Smiths Detection’s global operations and cost base, the decision was taken to close three facilities in North America and consolidate their activities among other existing plants during next year. The number of job losses has not yet been finalised.

Smiths Detection President Richard Ingram said: “These are very tough decisions and have not been taken lightly.  But first and foremost we must get Smiths Detection back on the road to growth and sustained profitability as soon as possible.”

Reducing the manufacturing footprint is part of the Fuel for Growth restructuring programme, a Smiths Group initiative announced last year, and will help deliver annual savings of some £14 million in Smiths Detection.

The facilities in Toronto, Canada, Danbury, Connecticut, and Ijamsville, Maryland, will close over the next financial year.  Production of hand-held chemical identification sensors, trace detection consumable items and software development will transfer to Smiths Detection’s North American headquarters at Edgewood, Maryland.

Development and production of trace products will be concentrated at Watford, UK, while production of small X-ray systems at the recently opened Malaysia facility will be increased to exploit the manufacturing efficiencies already achieved by the new plant.