Smiths Industries Ltd

Sectors:

  • Transport equipment production Aeroengines & components production
  • Information processing equipment production Business machine production
  • Luxury / consumer goods production Clock, watch & chronometer making
  • Transport equipment production Marine engines & other marine equipment production
  • Transport equipment production Motor vehicle engines & components production

Notes:

Established in Newington Causeway, London, in 1851 by Samuel Smith, d1875, as a clock and watch making and retailing business. Focused on precision watches and was an important supplier to the Admiralty. Incorporated as S Smith & Son Ltd 1899. After 1900 developed by (Sir) Allan Gordon-Smith through diversification into manufacture of motor components, especially speedometer/mileometer. 1914 reorganised as S Smith & Sons (Motor Accessories) Ltd and converted to public company. 1914 established a major works at Cricklewood. 1914-18 started to manufacture aircraft components. 1919 acquired M-L Magneto Syndicate Ltd followed by KLG Sparking Plugs Ltd and Ed Jaeger (London) Ltd in 1927. 1930 much of vehicle components business sold to Joseph Lucas. 1931 re-entered domestic clock industry as Smiths English Clocks Ltd and became a major producer. 1939 established major works at Cheltenham. 1944 renamed S Smith & Sons (England) Ltd and in 1966 again renamed as Smiths Industries Ltd. Subsequently sold remaining motor components and clocks business to focus from 1980s on aviation and marine equipment. 2000 merged with TI Group (formerly Tube Investments Ltd) and continues in 2020 as Smiths Group Plc

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