31st Oct 2006 08:38
Smiths Group PLC31 October 2006 News ReleaseLondon Smiths wins $222 million US Government contract for radiation detectors Hand-held and backpack detectors to help protect the United States from the threat of a 'dirty bomb' SMITHS Detection, part of the global technology business Smiths Group, todayannounces it has been awarded a contract with a potential total value of $222million, including options, for radiation detection and identification systems. The contract was awarded by the US Department of Homeland Security's (DHS)Domestic Nuclear Detection Office (DNDO) under the Human Portable RadiationDetection System (HPRDS). The DHS has been tasked to ensure that the US remains safe from the threat ofillicit importation, development or procurement of a nuclear or radiologicaldevice. Smiths Detection will supply its handheld and backpack Human Portable RadiationDetection System (HPRDS) to the DNDO for use by emergency responders, borderpatrol agents, customs and coast guard officers and other law enforcementofficers. The detectors can identify and determine the location of incoming radiation andwill reliably discriminate between normally-occurring radioactive materials andpotential threats. Stephen Phipson, Group Managing Director of Smiths Detection, said: "We arepleased to be working with the DNDO on this important programme. "It has always been our intention to add radiation detection to our existingcapabilities against chemical, biological and explosive threats. This programmegives us that capability. "Smiths Detection is a leader in chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear andexplosive (CBRNE) security systems. Over the past 30 years, our team hasdeveloped, delivered and supported a variety of high performance hand-held andportable security screening systems in use by military and securityprofessionals worldwide. "Our understanding of radiological and nuclear detection science and technologyenables us rapidly to innovate solutions to new threat situations." Smiths Detection developed this technology through its relationship withSymetrica, a start-up company that originated at the Department of Physics andAstronomy at the University of Southampton. Smiths Detection has also been awarded a $7.5 million contract for developmentand demonstration of personal radiation identifiers under the DNDO IntelligentPersonal Radiation Locator (IPRL) programme. Vayl S. Oxford, DNDO Director, said: "IPRL systems show real promise for thesecurity and safety of first responders, border patrol agents, customs and coastguard officers and other law enforcement personnel. "Homeland security personnel and first responders will know in real time if theyconfront a security or safety risk from a device that fits in the palm of theirhand." DNDO is a jointly staffed, national office established to improve America'scapability to detect and report unauthorised attempts to import, possess, store,develop or transport nuclear or radiological material. ENDS Smiths Group Smiths is a global technology business, listed on the London Stock Exchange.Smiths Group is a world leader in the practical application of advancedtechnologies. Our products and services make the world safer, healthier andmore productive. Smiths Group has four divisions: Aerospace, Detection, Medicaland Specialty. It employs 32,000 people and has over 250 major facilities in 50countries. For more information visit www.smiths-group.com About Smiths Detection Smiths Detection is part of the global technology business Smiths Group. Itoffers advanced integrated security solutions for customers in civil andmilitary markets worldwide and is a leading technology developer andmanufacturer of sensors that detect and identify explosives, chemical andbiological agents, weapons, and contraband. Its advanced technology securitysolutions also include Smiths Heimann x-ray imaging systems, millimeter-wavetechnology and a specialist software supply business for the management of largesensor and video surveillance networks. Separate business units focus on relatedproducts for the life sciences, and food manufacturing industries. For moreinformation visit www.smithsdetection.com Investor Relations MediaRussell Plumley Chris Fox+44 (0)20 8457 8203 +44 (0)20 8457 8403 This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock ExchangeRelated Shares:
Smiths Group