AN ANDOVER company was 'delighted' after MP for North West Hampshire, Kit Malthouse toured its Andover headquarters.

Kit Malthouse visited Scientific Management International (SMI) after the company was included in this year's Parliamentary Review.

The publication is an annual guide to industry best practice, which demonstrates how sector leaders have responded to challenges in the political and economic environment.

It includes sector specific insight from the prime minister, secretaries of state and MPs.

SMI represent the defence industry and said its inclusion is particularly pertinent as it celebrates 20 years of uninterrupted Capability Approval from the MoD for their through hull penetrator Pressure Hull Glands.

During his visit Mr Malthouse met with a number of the manufacturing staff on the factory floor where all manufacturing is completed by SMI.

This highly-skilled work helps create expertise within the workforce and significant training and investment into the local economy.

He was escorted around the factory by CEO, Keith Wells, and chairman, Martin Stillman-Jones, who were on hand to explain the cutting-edge technology taking place.

Mr Wells said “We were delighted to show Kit around our H.Q. and introduce him to our extraordinary team who are the secret behind our success.

"Our products are often mission critical meaning if they were to fail then lives could be at stake, but with this team of people working with us we can truly ‘fit and forget’."

Another reason for Kit’s visit was to outline SMI’s plans for expansion on site.

SMI designs, manufactures, supplies and installs, bespoke pressure moulded cable harness systems, through-hull penetrators and pressure moulded connectors.