SME
| Country | United Kingdom |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1946 |
| Founder | Alastair Robertson-Aikman |
SME is a British precision engineering company founded in 1946 by Alastair Robertson-Aikman, originally to make scale models and precision parts. In 1959 Robertson-Aikman designed a tonearm for his own use, and its success led SME into hi-fi: the 3009 and 3012 tonearms became standard fittings on high-quality turntables for decades. The Series V tonearm, launched in the 1980s, is still regarded by many as one of the finest pickup arms ever made. SME later added its own turntables, including the Model 10, 20 and 30, which share the company's characteristic machined construction, suspended sub-chassis and outstanding build quality. Everything is made in-house at its factory in Sussex, where SME also works on precision components for other industries. The company changed ownership after its founder's death, but it continues to build tonearms and turntables, and older SME arms remain highly sought after on the second-hand market. SME's reputation rests on engineering precision that few other analogue companies have matched.
Notable SME products
- 3009 tonearm
- 3012 tonearm
- Series V tonearm
- Model 10 turntable
- Model 20
- Model 30
More about SME
SME The original company was formed in 1946 under the title The Scale Model Equipment Company Limited to manufacture scale models and detail parts for the model engineering trade. During the 1950's movement was away from model making to precision engineering, principally parts for aircraft instruments and business machines. In 1959 Alastair Robertson-Aikman, the Company's founder, required a pick-up arm for his own use and an experimental model was built. It received such an enthusiastic reception from friends in the sound industry that it was decided to produce it commercially and the first SME precision pick-up arm appeared in September 1959.
Production was 25 units per week composed entirely of individually machined components. At this time a new factory situated in Mill Road, Steyning was opened and the Company's name was changed to SME Limited, a less committal title to suit its new activities. SME now has over 60 years experience in high quality precision engineering and the Company's plant at Steyning is now probably the largest and best equipped devoted to the manufacture of precision pick-up arms and turntables. To maintain the very high standards of quality all manufacture and processing is carried out 'in house'.
Facilities commence with design and toolmaking through all aspects of manufacturing including CNC machining, pressure die-casting, injection moulding, metal finishing, electro-plating, anodising and many other processes. Inspection at every stage of manufacture and assembly is particularly critical and ensures the consistent standards for which the Company's products are noted.
Sources: en.wikipedia.org