Smiths Detection Establishes Manufacturing Footprint in Asia

The new facility in Johor will support business growth across Asia, positioning the company for long-term expansion in the region

Johor Bahru, Malaysia, 23 January 2014 – Smiths Detection, the world-leading designer and manufacturer of advanced detection systems, formally opened its Asia Pacific Manufacturing Facility today in Johor Bahru, Malaysia.

Officiating at the inauguration of Smiths Detection Malaysia (SDM) was Dato’ Benjamin Haji Hasbie, Federal Commissioner of Iskandar Malaysia.  He was joined by Philip Bowman, Chief Executive of Smiths Group; Brian Jones, Interim President of Smiths Detection; and Nathan Manzi, Managing Director of Smiths Detection Asia.

The establishment of SDM will improve and support both global and regional sales of advanced X-ray scanners, particularly in fast-growing, emerging markets like Vietnam, China, India and Indonesia.

“Smiths Detection is the world’s leader in threat detection technologies because of our unparalleled commitment to give all customers the best technology solutions. The Johor plant represents a major step towards aligning our manufacturing footprint to our worldwide business requirements,” Brian Jones said.

“As a truly global player, Smiths Detection now has three regional hubs for X-ray production from which we serve customers all over the world. Our hubs in Germany, the USA, and now Malaysia, will help us improve distribution, logistics, speed-to-market, and customer service. Quality levels have been standardised across all three locations to maintain our leading reputation in this critical product area,” he added.

Smiths Detection Asia Pacific Manufacturing Facility

Located in Kawasan Perindustrian Southern Industrial & Logistics Clusters (SiLC), Nusajaya, Johor Bahru, the new 130,000 square foot facility successfully completed its pilot production in September 2012.

Now fully operational, it manufactures systems that screen hand baggage, parcels, pallets and freight. The workforce totals around 60 and production is now running at around 100 systems a month.

The facility is supported by skilled Malaysian technicians comprising specialists in assembly and commissioning, supply chain management, and quality control.
Nathan Manzi said: “Smiths Detection is in Asia for Asia. We are committed to safeguard and protect our world through technology, innovation and manufacturing excellence. Reduced regional shipping times due to the facility’s strategic location have already helped to secure significant new orders from Japan and South Korea. We are positioned to exploit our advantage and deliver products to our customers faster than ever.

“The Asian aviation market is forecast to grow strongly for the foreseeable future, complemented by good growth in our other market sectors. We work closely with governments, academia and leading institutions to respond to changing security threats, and together we develop cutting-edge threat detection and security solutions.”

Singapore has been the regional headquarters for Smiths Detection for more than 10 years, with an office at Shaw Tower, Beach Road.