1946

Scale Model Equipment Company founded by Mr. Alastair Robertson-Aikman. Design and manufacturing commenced of precision models for the exhibition and model engineering trade.

1950

The company expanded and diversified into engineering subcontracting, producing precision aircraft parts for prestigious companies such as Rolls Royce, Hawker & Martin Baker.

1959

Mr. Alastair Robertson-Aikman designed a pick up arm for his Hi-Fi System and on seeing the prototype friends in the Audio Industry encouraged him to produce it commercially. It was received with such enthusiasm that a new factory was built to meet the demand and the company’s name was changed to SME Limited to suit its new activities.

Series I pick up arm launched with production of 25 units per week which composed entirely of individually machined components.

MoD and AID approvals gained and work is completed for the UK Atomic Energy Authority.

1960

Work commenced with precision made parts for the Aircraft, Atomic Energy and Submarine Industries. Including new projects for Aircraft Instruments and Business Machines.

1962

Series II 9” & 12” pick up arms launched.

1972

Series II IMP 9” pick up arm launched.

1977

Series III & Series IIIS pick up arm launched.

1980

Series II R type 9”, 10” & 12” pick up arms launched.

1986

Series V pick up arm launched.

1987

Series IV pick up arm launched.

1988

Series 300 pick-up arm launched.

1990

SME Precision Engineering expertise and capabilities proven to be highly successful, subsequently new work programmes commence with some of Britain’s leading companies, including Rolls Royce Motor Cars, British Oxygen Company, Parker Pen, Ford Motor, Williams Motorsport and Philips Medical.

1991

Model 30 turntable launched.

1992

Model 20 turntable launched.

1992

BS EN ISO 9001 : 2008 Quality Assurance System accredited.

1999

Model 10 turntable launched.

2000

In house services enhanced with increased investment in CNC Machining, Pressure Die Casting, Injection Moulding, Metal Finishing, Electro Plating and Anodising.

2006

Model 20/12 turntable launched.

2008

Model 30/12 turntable launched.

2010

New generation Precision Engineering programmes commenced for Aerospace, Formula 1 and Medical Equipment Industries.

2015

Model 15 turntable launched.

2016

SME becomes part of the Cadence Audio Group of Companies.

SME Celebrates 70 years of engineering excellence and is now probably the largest and best equipped Audio Company in the world for the manufacture of precision engineered pick up arms and turntables.

2017

SME Precision Engineering relaunched with the aim of becoming the company of choice for the manufacture of premium high quality precision engineered components for the industry sectors of Aerospace, Formula 1, Automotive and Medical Equipment.

2018

SME embark on a major investment programme of installing new generation state of the art plant, machinery and equipment at its Steyning factory.

All new integrated turntable “Synergy” launched. An intelligent high performance precision turntable with built in phono stage, magnesium tonearm with matched cartridge and Crystal Cable.

SME parent Cadence Audio acquires the Garrard audio brand, the famous British turntable manufacturer. Garrard will be revived under SME with the introduction of a Revival 301 and ultimately development of an all new generation Garrard turntable.

2019

SME launch a new precision turntable the Model 12A. A high performance turntable packaged with the highly credited SME 309 tonearm and equipped with Crystal Cable.

New Garrard 301 turntable launched as a unique package of solid walnut plinth with sophisticated isolation system, highly acclaimed SME M2-12R tonearm and Crystal Cable internal wiring.

Investment programme continues at SME with the introduction of new generation and state of the art DMG Mori 5 Axis and CNC Lathes at the Steyning factory.

2019 proved to be a year of fabulous Reviews of Model 12A and Winner of prestigious What HiFi? Temptation Award for the highly acclaimed Synergy.