PCB specialist SMT Developments MAN’s up

SMT Developments, which employs 28 people at its Hurlbutt Road facility, is the ninth firm to join the group's portfolio of expertise and believes its technical capabilities in electronic contract manufacturing will help bring in a host of new orders in the automotive, medical and defence fields. In addition to boosting sales, the firm is also keen to tap into the benefits that can be achieved from working as part of the collective, including sharing best practice, quality tips and development of staff. "The last couple of years have been tough for our industry with the global recession reducing volumes and then a shortage of electronic components causing problems with supply," explained Bill Henderson, business development manager at SMT Developments."2011 has started much stronger and we're predicting £3 million turnover by December and this new appetite for growth was one of the reasons behind our decision to join MAN." "Our core skills in complex PCB assembly and prototyping for surface mount and through-hole technologies will add even greater diversity to the MAN offer," continued Mr Henderson. "There are definite synergies between us and the other members and we are looking forward to maximising the combined marketing push, the new website (www.man-group.co.uk) and forthcoming appearances at major exhibitions." SMT Developments, which has already made its commitment to the aerospace, defence and security sector's SC21 programme, provides solutions in PCB design and layout and can also offer total turnkey services from prototype to fully tested total product build. Its assemblies are used in a wide range of products and environments, including medical, Formula 1, marine and lasers. Originally established as part of an Advantage West Midlands-backed automotive initiative, MAN has evolved into a self-sustainable group that boasts a combined turnover of £70 million and employs in excess of 600 people. By pooling expertise and capabilities, the coalition has secured in excess of £10 million of contracts, including two new orders in the last six weeks.