Smiths Detection Builds First X-ray Systems at New Malaysian Facility

Smiths Detection has opened a major new manufacturing plant for X-ray baggage scanners, in Malaysia. Establishing this facility will help to expand sales of its advanced screening systems in the fast-growing markets of south-east Asia, notably for aviation security.

Pilot production at the 130,000 square foot site in the Malaysian city of Johor Bahru has started and most of the space is expected to be occupied within 18 months as the workforce gradually increases to around 170.

Mal Maginnis, President of Smiths Detection, said: “The Asian aviation market is forecast to grow strongly for the foreseeable future, complemented by good growth in our other market sectors. The Johor plant represents a major step towards aligning our manufacturing footprint to our worldwide business requirements.

“As a truly global player, Smiths Detection has three regional hubs for X-ray production in Wiesbaden, Germany, Maryland, USA and now Malaysia, to help us maximise the benefits from improved 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”

The Johor facility, about seven miles from Singapore, will gradually increase production rates as the Wiesbaden facility focuses more on production for European and regional customers and, most importantly, on the research & development, engineering, and product development functions, in its critical role as the company’s global centre of excellence for X-ray technology.

Manufacturing at Johor will initially focus on systems to screen hand baggage and parcels, followed by larger versions that screen pallets and freight in around six months. The advanced aTiX automatic explosives detector will be manufactured at the new site from late 2013.

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

ENDS

Smiths Detection offers advanced security solutions in civil and military markets worldwide, developing and manufacturing government-regulated technology products that help detect and identify explosives, chemical and biological agents, radiological and nuclear threats, weapons, narcotics and contraband. It is part of Smiths Group, a global leader in applying integrated, advanced technologies to markets in threat and contraband detection, energy, medical devices, communications and engineered components. Smiths Group employs around 23,000 people in more than 50 countries.