Global Sourcing Spotlight: Tariffs—The New Reality
Knocking Down the Bone Pile: Gold Mitigation for Class 2 Electronics
Punching Out: Your Financial Preparation for a Sale
SMS Reports 30% Revenue Growth in FY2017
July 2, 2018 | SMS ElectronicsEstimated reading time: 1 minute
UK-based EMS firm SMS Electronics Ltd has announced a 30% increase in revenue in its fiscal year 2017. SMS has made several investments in talent, technology and intelligence to secure its place as partner of choice for UK electronics manufacturing, supply chain solutions and PCB assembly (PCBA).
Its operating performance figures indicate that a significant portion of this increase in revenue can be aligned to the company’s investment in New Product Introduction (NPI) and prototyping equipment, creating a dedicated Developmental Center within their current electronic manufacturing environment. In 2017, SMS installed a Mycronic MY600 Jet Printer and the Mycronic MY200SX Placement for state-of-the-art development. Through these investments, the company was able to address and close the gap between technology advancements and their capability.
In 2017, Craig Taylor, CFO of SMS, stated that the UK electronics manufacturing fulfilment model had changed from build-to-print, through to a consultative approach due to the demand for lower volume manufacturing with complex configuration, or customized integration. The drive-in demand for NPI and prototyping fits perfectly into the sweet spot of SMS’s capability roadmap, as the company can accommodate lower volume/high mix through their dedicated Development Center, while continuing to support the customer as they scale by having three surface mount lines.
The speed of performance is essential within NPI, and equipment that SMS has invested in is making the whole design and development process more efficient. One example is the removal of stencils as the company’s printer has a built-in inkjet. Small steps like this increase productivity, which in turn increases yield.
Another facet to SMS’s growth can be contributed to the fact that during 2017, the company opened its doors to host various events of interest to mechanical and electronic design engineers, design houses and universities. Being situated in Nottingham, SMS is in a fortunate geographical position, with high caliber academic establishments such as Nottingham, Loughborough, Manchester.
Universities such as Loughborough offer wonderful and very respected engineering and manufacturing courses, with product design and patents which stem from these educational establishments. SMS works in close collaboration with academia to offer their services as a manufacturing arm, often operating as a product realization center for students’ innovative designs.
“We enjoy this type of collaboration as we see it as nurturing the minds and product innovation today, for tomorrow’s world,” said Taylor.
Share on:
Suggested Items
Best Papers from SMTA International Announced
04/10/2025 | SMTAThe SMTA is pleased to announce the Best Papers from SMTA International 2024. The winners were selected by members of the conference technical committee. Awards are given for "Best of Proceedings" as well as "Best Practical and Applications-Based Knowledge" categories. A plaque is given to primary authors of all winning papers for these exceptional achievements.
Technica USA Showcases PCBA Supply Partners at IPC APEX EXPO 2025
03/13/2025 | Technica USATechnica USA is thrilled to highlight its full portfolio of PCBA supply partners at the 2025 APEX/IPC Expo in Anaheim, California. Featuring some of the world’s leading suppliers, Technica’s PCBA product lineup continues to drive innovation and excellence in the industry.
Designer’s Notebook: DFM Principles for Flexible Circuits
09/14/2023 | Vern Solberg -- Column: Designer's NotebookFlexible circuit applications can be as basic as furnishing electrical interconnect between two conventional circuit board assemblies, or to prove a platform for placing and interconnecting electronic components. During the planning and pre-design phase of the flexible circuit, there will be several material and process related questions that need to be addressed. Most flexible circuit fabricators welcome the opportunity to discuss their customers’ flexible circuit objectives prior to beginning the actual design process.
ZESTRON to Showcase Innovative Cleaning Solutions and Process Support at SMTA International 2023
09/11/2023 | ZESTRONZESTRON, the leading global provider of high-precision cleaning products, services, and training solutions in the electronics manufacturing and semiconductor industries, is thrilled to announce its participation in the upcoming Surface Mount Technology Association (SMTA) International Conference and Exhibition, scheduled to take place from October 9-12, 2023.
Austin American Technology Creates Buzz with Justin Worden’s 1st SMTA Presentation
09/07/2023 | Austin American Technology (AAT)Justin Worden, the dynamic Global Sales and Marketing Director at Austin American Technology (AAT), is no stranger to creating a buzz in the electronics industry.