Unassailable Fit & Forget Pressure Moulded Cable Systems for Hostile Environments

Unassailable Fit & Forget Pressure Moulded Cable Systems for Hostile Environments

History

Chronology of SMI and its Technology

1930s

Technological breakthrough by Imperial Chemical Industries Laboratories (ICI) developing Polythene (Polyethylene or PE). This was tougher, more easily processed and non-hygroscopic compared to the materials then in use for subsea cables (gutta percha). 

1961

The first Polythene cable laid by Submarine Cables Limited (SCL). At this time, British submarines relied on compression glands for sealing cables through the pressure hull. The requirements for increased depth and hydrostatic pressure demanded a completely sealed and shock resistant method of passing cables through the pressure hulls. New technology, developed to bond and mould PE jackets to subsea telecom cable repeater stations, was identified by the Ministry of Defence as a solution to this critical submarine requirement.

1959-62

The first submarine pressure hull glands (PHG) developed by SCL at Erith, Kent. One of the young scientists and engineers was, John Wise who some 30 years later was to be one of the founders of SMI.

1960s

Oberon Class submarines fitted with PE moulded pressure hull glands and PE cables – a world first.  Twenty seven submarines built for Royal Navy and for Canadian and Australian navies.

1960-99

Seven different classes of nuclear submarine all built with PE cables and pressure hull glands successfully sealing the cables in the pressure hulls for 20 plus years.

1992

Scientific Management Associates (SMA) incorporated by Keith Wells with John Wise as Design Manager opens factory in Fareham Hampshire, England.  

1993

SMA wins its first major order from Ferranti Thompson for Type 23 frigate sonar glands and cables. This prepares the way for same system on Type 22 Frigates, Type 42 Destroyers and 3 Aircraft Carriers (45 ships). 

1995

SMA relocates to Andover, Hampshire, to support its expansion.

1997   

Parent company, SMA Australia, sets a policy that SMA (UK) growth must span a range of different technologies and markets over and above hostile environment mouldings. MOD invites SMA to begin qualification to gain Capability Approval to PTS14299 for manufacture of submarine products. SMA achieves qualification.

SMA purchases long leasehold for large new factory which is officially opened by Sir Robert Walmsley, Chief of Defence Procurement and Rt Hon Sir George Young MP.

SMA wins first spares support enabling contract from MOD and continues building relationships with GEC/Thompson Marconi (eventually Thales), Vosper Thorneycroft, Lucas, Strachen and Henshaw, Honeywell, Babcock and the Canadian and Australian High Commissions amongst others.

1998

SMA and German connector manufacturer, GISMA, begin working together

2007

First Astute class submarine launched. This has the Thales Sonar 2076 with PE sonar cables from SMA.

2009

SMA wins first contract to support the Victoria Class submarines in Canada, having supplied the older Oberon Class since 1997.

2010

SMA commences development work with BAE Systems for a high data rate telemetry system for a new generation of submarines.

2011

SMA teams with Tyco to design, and manufacture outboard sonar harness cables for the new French Barracuda submarine.  Lean manufacturing training introduced to the factory.

2012

Renewable tide turbine project delivered for Marine Current Turbines. Entered into a long term agreement with MOD for in-service support items.

2014

Major factory refurbishment.

Babcock presents an award to SMA in recognition of the products and support provided to the Vanguard Class Submarine Programme.

2016

The Management completes a buyout from the SMA (Aust) Pty, and appoints a new Board of Directors.

2017

New office and sales operations opened in France and Australia. The company name is changed to SMI (Scientific Management International) reflecting the increasing international level of business.

Rear Admiral Tim Hodgson recognises SMI’s 20 years of continuous capability approval with visit to the Andover plant.

2018

SMI awarded bronze Supply Chain 21 (SC21) status and appointed Collaborative Partner to Thales Maritime Mission Systems.

2019

Simex Defence named as SMI Strategic Sales Partner in Canada.

2020

ISO 14001 EMS accredited.

2021

Factory expanded by 60% to support growth.

2022

Scientific Management International LLC established in Delaware, USA. Jenny Shaw appointed CEO Designate.

2023

Jenny Shaw becomes Chief Executive Officer.   SMI named Subsea Company of the Year by Global Underwater Hub and Highly Commended as Employer of the Year at the UK HR Awards.

2024

SMI awarded further three years of MOD Capability Approval for the supply of pressure hull glands and cables harnesses.