27th Sep 2006 07:05
Smiths Group PLC27 September 2006 Smiths wins $71 million US Government contract for explosives detectors SMITHS Detection, part of the global technology business Smiths Group, todayannounces it has won a contract to supply explosives trace detectors (ETD) tothe US Government with a potential value of $71 million. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA), part of the US Department ofHomeland Security, will deploy the Smiths Detection IONSCAN 400B desktopexplosives trace detectors at airports across the United States. The TSA, which protects America's airports and rail network, has already madeits first purchase under the contract placing a $7.2 million order for IONSCAN400B machines. The detectors will be used to scan carry-on and checked baggage for traces ofexplosives. Stephen Phipson, Group Managing Director of Smiths Detection, said: "We aredelighted to be able to provide equipment that can contribute greatly to thedetection of threats against the travelling public. "There are already around 4,000 Smiths IONSCAN explosives trace detectorsdeployed at airports in the United States. This contract is recognition of ourtechnological leadership in the global effort to keep transport systems safe." Smiths hand-held explosives detectors are already being used by the New YorkPolice Department to protect the subway and were involved in high-profilesecurity trials on the London Underground this year. Smiths walk-through explosives detection portals are currently deployed at 17 USairports, including JFK, Washington Dulles and Newark, and were recentlydeployed by HM Revenue and Customs at Heathrow and Manchester airports to detectnarcotics. The IONSCAN 400B is an explosives trace detector that can detect and identifytraces of more than 40 substances in eight seconds. The desktop unit quickly analyses sample swabs of items such as handbags andbriefcases. The swab sample is then placed into the IONSCAN 400B for analysisand the results are displayed to the operator. A detection of trace explosives indicates that an explosive device may bepresent or that the person may have been handling explosive material and furtherinvestigation is necessary. ENDS IONSCAN is a trade mark of Smiths Detection 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 Smiths Detection Smiths Detection is one of four operating divisions of Smiths Group. SmithsDetection offers technologically advanced security solutions to detect andidentify explosives, chemical and biological agents, weapons, and contraband,plus specialist applications for life sciences and food manufacturingindustries. Employing trace detection technology together with Smiths-Heimannx-ray imaging, Smiths Detection provides security solutions for customers inhomeland security and defense markets worldwide. For further information visitwww.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:
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