I visited one of Harlow's best kept secrets today, with Councillor Tony Hall. Was it a bird, a plane? Well in some ways yes. It was Smith's CNC Precision Engineers Business in the Pinnacles, a company which supplies aircraft components to the aircraft industry, wind turbine machinery and mining technology. What makes Smith's, all the more remarkable, is not that it is a family run firm (which it is), or even that the vast majority, (including management), of employees come from Harlow, but, it is one of only a few companies in the world, that provides such materials and has such expertise.
I went on a tour of the huge factory, with John Tennison. John is an extraordinary man. Harlow, born and bred, he started off as an apprentice to Smith's, exactly thirty years ago and is now Managing Director of the Firm. When I noticed that the office side of the business looked 'economical', John rightly replied: "We only spend money on things that make money". The Company offers a number of apprenticeships and has good links with Harlow College.
Walking round the factory, was an experience in itself. Huge machines, steel and aluminium everywhere. Trained engineers calibrating and preparing high quality machine parts. Smith's makes these parts for top of the range companies such as Rolls Royce.
I often visit impressive businesses in Harlow, but Smith's is in a league of its own. Its a mixture of aspiration, innovation, scientific achievement and good old fashioned hard work. It shouldn't be a secret much longer.
One sad note to the visit came when John told me that there had been a number of break-ins from allegedly, the nearby-travelling community, who had stole thousands of pounds worth of valuable metal. Despite the police having steaked out the factory, and apprehending the villains, they were eventually let off, before reaching prosecution, as it was thought that they would have got off any way. John is determined not to let these petty law breakers steal hundreds of thousands of pound of metal and has put into place some serious measures to try and stop the thefts happening again. Its a shame he can't rely on the legal system, which too often gives law-breakers an easy ride over those trying to make an honest living.
Rob Halfon ~ Working hard for Harlow, Hastingwood, Nazeing, Roydon & Sheering. http//roberthalfon.blogspot.com
