Smiths Detection opens new facility in Hemel Hempstead, UK

Smiths Detection recently opened its new United Kingdom centre of excellence for trace detection, which provides the company improved customer operations, new amenities for employees and the opportunity for future growth and development.

Built specifically for Smiths Detection, the 67,000 square-foot facility provides capabilities for engineering, research and manufacturing and is designed to ensure that maximum operational efficiencies are achieved across a variety of areas of operation. It is located approximately 11 miles from the town of Hemel Hempstead.

“The relocation of our operations to our new state of the art facility here in Hemel Hempstead was a necessary step to ensure that we remain competitive on a global scale,” President of Smiths Detection Richard Ingram said. “We had quite simply outgrown our previous facility in Watford and needed a site that would allow us to respond quickly and adapt to our customers’ growing demands.”

The facility will deliver state of the art security solutions to key markets including aviation, military and emergency responders. To date, more than 25,000 explosives detectors and more than 220,000 chemical detectors have been manufactured at Smiths Detection facilities.

“I’m delighted to be able to welcome Smiths Detection to the area,” Hemel Hempstead Member of Parliament Mike Penning said. “Hemel Hempstead is a growing town and, with access to skilled people and good infrastructure, more and more technology companies like Smiths Detection are moving into this area and driving demand for even more skilled employees.”