Smiths Aerospace has been bold and aggressive to become one of Europe s principal aerospace suppliers. We interview its new president. Last year, it forged ahead aggressively, acquiring three companies and announcing the merger with TI Group Plc, further consolidating Europe s top tier of aerospace suppliers. The merger prompted a name change, from Smiths Industries to Smiths Group, and Smiths Industries Aerospace became simply Smiths Aerospace.
Smiths isn t slowing down, however.
Its acquisitions and merger only strengthen the company s hand in securing additional agreements for expansion. Its list of aerospace products is long and diverse ranging from flight data systems, navigational aids and digital flight controls to microcircuits, displays, instruments and on-board diagnostic systems. However, it has positioned itself for a larger role with airframe manufacturers, as a systems integrator and developer of futuristic electronic control devices. A graduate of Warwick University, where he received his engineering doctorate, Ferrie told Avionics Magazine he also enjoys his free time as a private pilot, flying Cessnas. Accompanied by Bill Mawer, Smiths marketing director, Ferrie agreed to an interview by Avionics Magazine .