For Smiths, risk pays off with $16 billion worth of business
The need for tier-one aerospace suppliers to assume systems integration roles in major programs is viewed as conventional wisdom, but five years ago when S

The need for tier-one aerospace suppliers to assume systems integration roles in major programs is viewed as conventional wisdom, but five years ago when Smiths (Chalet P1-5) started making this move it was not a decision to be taken lightly. According to Smiths Aerospace president Dr. John Ferrie, the leap up the supply chain has meant substantial extra investment, with $200 million to be plowed into new programs this year alone. But for the UK-based group, taking on greater risk has paid off with systems integration work having brought in some $16 billion in new business over the past five years.