SMD has been praised by an MP for its contribution to the UK’s manufacturing industry.
Poole MP Robert Syms spoke as he toured the headquarters of SMD Ltd, one of only a handful of British firms to design, manufacture and install its own steel decking systems.
Mr Syms said: “It is great to see a specialist Poole company at the forefront of the UK’s manufacturing industry and playing a major role in the construction trade.
“It was also particularly pleasing to learn that SMD is very much attuned to the health and welfare of employees by going above and beyond legal requirements regarding duty of care.
“And SMD is also helping to plug industry skills gaps through a structured training programme, by employing apprentices and trainees and through continuing outreach work in schools.”
Mr Syms, whose own background is in the building industry, also praised SMD for publishing a large volume of technical ‘best practice’ journals and online instruction manuals, many adopted by other firms.
The MP was given a guided tour of SMD’s Tower Park HQ by managing director Ben Pratten and business development director Dan Williams.
Mr Pratten said: “We were delighted to welcome Mr Syms to SMD. It is heartening to know that our MP is willing to give up his time to offer his backing to a successful company in his constituency.
“We are continuing to expand and we now see the overseas market as one of our main growth areas – we’re flying the flag for Britain despite these uncertain times and the ongoing Brexit negotiations.”