Exceeding Expectations
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.
Metair Investments Limited, a JSE listed company, whose speciality is the manufacture of automotive components, is the major shareholding company of Smiths Manufacturing, accompanied by the Denso Corporation, a global automotive components manufacturer who retain a 25% shareholding in Smiths Manufacturing who have contracts with all motor plants based in South Africa.
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.
Electric Motors
With over 25 years’ experience in electric motor production Smiths has a comprehensive range of two pole magnet motors.
Components are manufactured for automotive and non-automotive applications and include:
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12V/24V 2 pole electric motors, available in 60mm to 76mm using Siemens design technology.
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Automatic gate opening motors
The motors area is a highly technical manufacturing area consisting of modern automatic armature, motor and assembly areas. This “one of a kind” process is designed to meet the high quality requirements of the majority of OEM’s and international customers.
Most of the motors are used in vehicle blower motor applications and are assembled into HVAC systems in the assembly division.
Assembly Plant
The Assembly Division specialises in the Assembly of Automotive Systems, such as Climate Control Systems, Wiper Systems and Air Cleaner Systems.
The following are currently assembled in the Assembly Plant:
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Heater Assemblies (manual control to fully automatic)
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Evaporator Assemblies (manual control to fully automatic)
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HVAC Assemblies (manual control to fully automatic)
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Cooling Modules Assemblies
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Aftermarket Aircon kit packaging
Following our philosophy of continuous improvement within the company, new production lines have been installed equipped with in-process automated quality checks ensuring international standards are consistently met.
The climate control area is part of the Assembly Plant. The factory is a large assembly area and logistics play a key role in the smooth operation of the factory.
Production
Production lines are developed and designed to meet customer specifications. These lines have very stringent quality and built-in systems, including computer driven SPC to ensure that the units are built to our customers’ specifications. Kanban systems are run throughout all processes from Motors through Climate Control to the Dispatch area. New generation production lines have in-process automated quality checks (including Poke Yoke - Fail Safe methods), which ensure international standards are consistently met.
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.
Fluid Exchanges
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 air-conditioning pipes and hoses, and other automotive pipes.
Thick walled vibration resistant aluminium, which meets stringent international requirements, is used in the production of Air conditioner hoses. Thin wall aluminium pipe is used for the production of liquid lines and other automotive components.
Our product line-up includes:
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Hoses (suction and discharge)
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Liquid lines
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Heater tubes
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Power steering oil cooler pipes
New brazeless technology has recently been introduced. This new technology eliminates operator error and provides a more cost effective solution. Further advances recently have been the introduction of “scribe and pull” technology, which replaced the older cutting of thin wall pipes hereby ensuring an efficient cost effective process.
All of Smiths heat exchanger products are produced to stringent specifications and standards for both local OEMs and international customers. Our wide range of facilities means that Smiths has the ability to be very flexible in its manufacturing processes to meet customers’ requirements.
Heat Exchanges
Smiths produces a large array of heat exchanges. Radiators, heaters and condensers use brazed aluminium cores, which provide a more durable product.
All of Smiths heat exchanger products are produced to stringent specifications and standards for both local OEMs and international customers. Our wide range of facilities means that has the ability to be very flexible in its manufacturing processes to meet customers’ requirements.
As a key OEM supplier, our long standing reputation has been founded on the basis of turnkey technologies and projects supported and backed up a continuous development programs. These are equally focused on production and design applications. Our 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 multi-use brazing furnaces also ensure flexibility and quality in our heat exchanger processes. In-house designed core builders for core assemblies facilitate flexibility in manufacturing and also assist to maintain low tooling costs.
Quality at Smiths’ Companies
Quality is an integral part of daily operations which comprises a comprehensive Safety, Health, Environment and Quality programme. Smiths companies are registered and certified by Underwriters Laboratories for International Standards ISO/TS 16949:2002, ISO 9001:2000, ISO 14001: 2004 and OHSAS 18001:2007.
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.
Social Responsibility
Smiths’ companies are established in KwaZulu-Natal and are rated amongst the top 300 companies in South Africa. Smiths implements its social responsibility programme in the community, supporting over 30 charities in KwaZulu-Natal. Smith’s runs diverse educational campaigns and have an AIDS Awareness and Help programme for employees.
VISION
“To be acknowledged as Africa’s preferred supplier of Automotive Components”
