Unassailable Fit & Forget Pressure Moulded Cable Systems for Hostile Environments

SMI Employee Notches Up Career Milestone

In 2002, Tony Blair was Prime Minister, Ronaldo had led Brazil to World Cup victory and Nigel Fletcher was just starting work at Scientific Management International.
 
Nigel is a pivotal member of our team. Working in stores and material control, Nigel’s attention to detail has repeatedly proved an essential part of our undertaking to produce fit and forget cables for customers across aerospace, energy, marine and transport.  
 
As he celebrates 20 years with the company We caught up with Nigel to talk about the changes he’s seen since starting at SMI (then called Scientific Management Associates):
 
How has your job changed over the years?
Much of it remains very similar but there are some notable technology changes, for example our Kardex carousel stores small components that used to be in extensive racking, reducing the miles I cover in the stores! Our company van is now an EV.
 
How have things changed at SMI over the years?
We hold a lot more stock now, particularly cables. In 2002 all the cables we had were lined up along one wall, not even on racking! The factory has undergone many improvements over the years to improve the working environment and bring efficiencies.
 
How has technology changed over the years and how has this impacted your role?

When I started we did not have a computerised stock control system. Coming from an agricultural dealership using latest technology, SMA seemed behind the times. Subsequent IT systems were a quantum leap forward for stores and stock control and the ERP introduced in 2018 provides vast amounts of information across inventory, purchasing and sales.

What is the proudest moment from your career at SMI?
Touring a Royal Navy submarine in dry dock for refit and appreciating the scale of what our products are a part of, especially when stood underneath it!

What has made you stay with SMI for 20 years?
Working with a good team and approachable management.

What’s your favourite part of the job?
Kitting up works orders with no back ordered components.

Describe what SMI means to you.
Job security, teamwork and world class products with a watertight reputation – literally.

Recognising Nigel’s service, Jenny Shaw, CEO, said “Nigel is a valued colleague and epitomises our values of ethics and collaboration. His level of knowledge and expertise on our products, amassed over 20 years, supports the business from supply chain to shop floor. He also has a keen wit and has been responsible for raising many a smile with his sense of humour. I hope he will continue to work with us for many years to come.”