Future Proofing at Smithstown Light Engineering

Smithstown Light Engineering’s commitment to be at the cutting edge of leading technologies and continuous improvement programmes has seen the second generation indigenous firm enjoy phenomenal growth in recent years. 

With manufacturing facilities in Shannon, Ireland and Rzeszów, Poland, Smithstown Light Engineering currently employs over 165 people and serves some of the biggest medtech companies in the world.

Continuous Investment

Founded 1974 by Brian King, the company has transitioned from a parts production company to a global leader in new technologies and advanced manufacturing methods. To maintain this market leading position, the company continuously invests in its facilities, equipment and people.

Smithstown Light Engineering now has two manufacturing facilities in Shannon spanning over 80,000sq ft and one facility in Poland at 15,000sq ft. In the past 3 years, the company has invested €17 million in new technologies. 

Having reached capacity at its original plant, the rapidly growing firm opened a second manufacturing site (10,000 sq ft) in August 2017. By 2019 it trebled the size of its second facility – such is the scale of growth at the local firm.

Both facilities in Shannon are FDA registered to produce precision components and medical devices and meet all necessary international standards and regulations.

Much of their success is owed to their ability to anticipate and meet clients growing demand. For instance, the efficient manner in which Smithstown set up the mass-production sliding-head turning facility for a particular client in 2018 attracted the interest of other major US and European OEMs.

Gerard King, Principal Owner and Director, Smithstown Light Engineering, said: “This is about future-proofing. Our customers are experiencing incredible growth and are keen to reduce lead times in sourcing products around the world. Our ongoing investment and expansion ensures we can keep up with their growing demand for ultra precision products used in lifesaving treatments. I would like to thank our staff and Enterprise Ireland for their invaluable support and commitment over the years.”

People-Focused

According to Gerard Henn, CEO, Smithstown Light Engineering, staff are central to the success of the firm.

“We invest in our people. We’ve a policy of continual self improvement and we actively encourage both internal and external training programs. The long service of many of our employees is testament to the great culture that has been developed here,” he said.

With continuous expansion and growth, Smithstown Light Engineering is always looking for new staff members to join the team. Here’s what some of their team have to say about working at the company:

Fergus Cooney, “I was working on the floor and in the wire room for about 16 years and then I got an opportunity to move into the inspection room as an inspector. The length of time I’m with the company I’m still learning every day. When you see what the end product is and where it’s going to end up, it’s very fulfilling. “

Flavio DeCampos said: “I’m Brazilian and come from a different culture, so I didn’t know what to expect when I arrived in Ireland. I received a very warm welcome. I can see the improvement in my career because the company always supports me in trying something new. I’ve had the opportunity to train abroad twice and this has been a really good moment in my career.”

Catherine O’Brien, “It is a lovely company to work for. The owners and the managers are really, really nice. If you wanted to progress there are opportunities to go to college and the company will support you.”

Kevin Kelly, “It’s a great company to work for; particularly if you’re looking to learn and progress and gain experience. The amount of technology that we’re working with is phenomenal. We’re working with the newest machines and technology available – the range is so vast that you can really get a lot of experience.”

Celeste Kelly: “I came into Smithstown in 2018 and I come in every morning smiling and I go home every day smiling. I’ve never been happier in a company and I’ve worked in a lot of places.”

Smithstown Light Engineering is currently hiring across Operations, Manufacturing and Engineering.

If you are looking to start your career or change direction and believe you have the skills and experience to work for a high-growth precision engineering firm, please send your CV to opportunities@sle.ie

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