Spotlight
www.heatingandventilating.net
Smiths Brothers Stores was started in 1897 by founder Water Smith (above left). Also pictured are 2nd generation Sydney Smith and 3rd generation John Smith
Leading the way in distribution
Smith Brothers Stores has been distributing pipework and fittings to the HVAC market since 1897. Marketing manager Adrian Smith reveals more about where this British company has come from and where it’s going
Who is Smiths Brothers Stores?
Operating solely from within the UK marketplace, we are an independent merchant which started back in 1897 by the founder Walter Smith and remains family owned. The core business focuses on the distribution of pipework, valves, air conditioning and all associated fittings and ancillaries. Currently the network comprises of 14 depot locations, including head office in Blaby, Leicestershire, and has both 4th and 5th generations present in its 300+ strong workforce. The managing director Steve Smith and sales director Tony Smith are both 4th generation, along with three other non-family board member Directors.
Describe your product range
Most of the time we supply the commercial and industrial mechanical services sector. The range (as mentioned above) of over 20,000 stocked products is broken down in to eight categories with a few examples of products included below; Metal pipe systems: Steel/copper/stainless/carbon tube and fittings Plastic pipe systems: ABS, PVC, multi-layer, MDPE Valves and drainage: All brands of valves, soil and waste, water treatment Commercial heating and plant: Boilers, water heaters/cylinders, pumps, radiators, meters Air Conditioning & Refrigeration: Daikin range, air conditioning ancillaries Ancillaries & Consumables: Bracketry, tools, lagging, jointing compounds Renewables: Heat pumps, biomass, solar, UFH, CHP Tool Hire: Our partnership with MEP Hirestation
What products are in demand?
We have seen the market demand more 316L stainless Press-Fit, especially away from carbon. This is due to the growth in the Press-Fit market as a whole and because of the improved life cycle, approval’s (WRAS), the wide range of applications (drinking water, solar, gas, oil, steam, compressed air and fire protection) and warranty (25 years) available. The multi-layer system Aquatechnik is in demand due to the product having a unique design which maximises flowrate and reduces required pressure. With
12 July 2018
increasing high-rise buildings and the water board only guaranteeing pressures of between 0.7- 1 bar ((7-10 meters of head) at simultaneous flow of 9 litres/min), it has meant flowrate and pipe sizing is more important than ever. The technology within Aquatechnik flares the pipe on to the fitting, meaning the compression fittings don’t adversely affect flowrates or cause pressure drops within the pipework in this demountable fitting
system.The above are products in high demand but for services, we have found delivery options becoming increasingly important for our customers. Therefore we have invested heavily in our fleet which now includes tail lifts and hiab cranes, along with increased numbers in both HGVs and lighter flatbed EURO emission compliant lorries. We updated our FORS accreditation from Bronze to Silver to tangibly show our commitment in this area.
What are your key challenges?
Commercial Buildings Water flowrate / pressures as mentioned above. More importantly making sure the installed products confirm and meet all the necessary characteristics required; environment (insulation, life cycle, material used), fire protection, cost, approvals, warranty. Since the tragedy of Grenfell, I feel the standards and installation materials will be scrutinised more than ever. We overcome these challenges by working with only quality manufacturers which contain the relevant approvals and insurances who only provide product
SBS head office in Blaby, Leicestershire,
www.heatingandventilating.net
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