Smith & Nephew: Who they are, what they do and where they’re from

Today, Smith & Nephew employs 16,000 people and works in more than 100 countries – but where did it all begin?

When entering Hull on the A63, it is difficult to miss the home of one of the city’s oldest and most successful businesses.

Today, Smith & Nephew employs around 16,000 across the world, and has an influence in more than 100 countries, as it strives to improve the lives of medical patients everywhere.

But to properly trace the origins of global manufacturing giant Smith & Nephew, you have to travel back in time more than 160 years.

It all started with a man called Thomas James Smith.

Thomas opened his own pharmacy in Whitefriargate, Hull city centre, in 1856, specialising in cod liver oil.

When the company’s founder died 40 years later, in 1896, Thomas’ nephew – Horatio Nelson Smith -took over the management of the business.

It was this single action that would go on to form the name of one of Hull’s most famous businesses.

During his time running the business, Horatio Nelson Smith oversaw the supply of field dressings during the World Wars.

In 1914, Horatio met with an envoy of the French president in London.

The business was awarded a contract to supply £350,000 of surgical dressings within a five-month period.

Several years later, in 1928, Smith & Nephew first produced an experimental bandage which would go on to become a household name – Elastoplast.

Today, Smith & Nephew manufactures world-leading wound management products and other equipment across the health sector.

By Phil Winter | Hull Daily Mail (UK)

Image Credit: Hull Daily Mail

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About Peter Coffaro 474 Articles
A growth-driven and strategic executive, Peter Coffaro commands more than 25 years of progressive management success within the medical device industry. Recognized by the World Journal of Orthopedics, Exponential Healthtech, and MedReps.com as one of the top medical sales influencers in the industry; he has 10 years of combined sales management experience and has held positions as a Director, General Manager, Distributor, and Vice President. Peter has worked for some of the top orthopedic companies in the world - Zimmer, DePuy, and Stryker. He is also the founder of OrthoFeed: a popular blog that covers digital orthopedic news and emerging medical technologies. Peter is a three-time Hall of Fame award winner at Johnson and Johnson and has an extensive background in organizational development, business development, sales management, digital marketing, and professional education. Peter holds a B.S. degree in Biology and Chemistry from Northern Illinois University.

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