Offering Innovative Solutions
Smiths Manufacturing (Pty) Ltd is a leading manufacturer and assembler of automotive air-conditioning and engine cooling components based in Durban.
These include radiators and heat exchangers, multiflow and serpentine condensers, integrated HVAC and heater systems, blower motors, engine
cooling modules, cooling fan assemblies, refrigerant pipes and hoses. Smiths has four manufacturing and assembly plants in Durban, with more than 25,000 sqm of space. Metair Investments Limited, a JSE listed company is the major shareholding company of Smiths Manufacturing, accompanied
by the Denso Corporation, a global automotive components manufacturer who have a 25% shareholding in Smiths Manufacturing. With its direct exports to both America and Europe, including the UK, as well as indirect exports of components on vehicles being exported from South Africa, approximately half of Smiths’ components leave South Africa’s shores. Smiths employ over 700 people, of whom nearly 100 are qualified engineers. A formal company-wide skills development programme is in place, which seeks to enhance the skills of employees across the board. In order to ensure that continuous, quality service is provided to customers, the programme includes the multiskilling of employees and on the job training.
Heating and Cooling
The Heating and Cooling division offers innovative solutions to the energy efficiency and the renewable energy markets. Product applications can be found in the domestic and commercial sectors. Quality, realistic lead times and competitive pricing are important to customers. Consequently Smiths designs, engineers and sources according to policies and procedures developed over many years in the automotive business. By adapting the latest automotive technology they are able to develop more compact and efficient green energy products. The following are some of the energy efficiency products on offer:
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ƒƒ Air to water heat pumps
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ƒƒ Spot coolers for electrical control panels and server racks
Smiths co-operates with highly acclaimed solar water heating companies around the world, for the supply of the following renewable energyproducts:
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ƒƒ Solar water heating flat plate collectors
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ƒƒ Solar collectors for air heating
Assembly Division
The Assembly division is designed around similar technologies with large assembly areas supported by full JIT sequence ensuring the smooth operation of the factory.The following are currently assembled in climate control:
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ƒƒ Heater Assemblies (manual control to fully automatic)
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ƒƒ HVAC Assemblies (manual control to fully automatic)
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ƒƒ Blower Motor Assemblies
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ƒƒ Fan Assemblies
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ƒƒ Cooling Module Assemblies
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ƒƒ Aftermarket Aircon kit packaging
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ƒƒ Air cleaners
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ƒƒ Windscreen Washer and Wiper systems
Fluid Exchanger Plant
Smiths’ fluid exchanger components are produced in line with stringent specifications and standards (ISO) for both local OEMs and international customers.
Smiths’ Fluid Exchangers manufacture automotive airconditioning pipes and hoses, and other automotive pipes. The product line-up includes:
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ƒƒ Hoses (suction and discharge)
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ƒƒ Liquid lines
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ƒƒ Heater tubes
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ƒƒ Power steering oil cooler pipes
Heat Exchanger Plant
Smiths produces a large array of heat exchanges all of which are produced to stringent specifications and standards for both local OEMs and international customers. The wide range of facilities means that Smiths has the ability to be very flexible in its manufacturing processes to meet customers’ requirements.
The company’s strategy of ensuring a risk free business model comprises a system of Nocoloc furnaces and Core builders and rollers ensure that takes place and that each unique fin design is supported. Modern high speed decoiling facilities, alternative wet or dry fluxing and multiuse brazing furnaces also ensure flexibility and quality in the heat exchanger processes. In-house designed core builders for core assemblies facilitate flexibility in manufacturing and also assist to maintain low tooling costs.
Quality and Business Operating Standards
Quality and Business standards are incorporated into an Integrated Business Management System (IBMS) being the intrinsic element of daily operations which comprises a comprehensive Safety, Health, Environment and Quality (SHEQ) programme.
Systems and Products are manufactured and qualified strictly in accordance with licensor standards and customer specific requirements using licensor/customer approved facilities, methods and product verification equipment.
Project Management
Each project receives individual attention. When projects are initiated from customers a project management team is put together comprising design, process, quality and industrial engineers. This approach has proved to be highly effective in ensuring the smooth timeous implementation of projects.