SP Technology, Dundee
SP Technology is a Dundee-based firm with 30 staff designing and manufacturing special purpose machinery.
It specialises in the provision of robotic and automation assembly and testing systems for a diverse customer base that includes the health care and pharmaceutical industries.
The company was formed in 1984 and went smoke-free in 2000 following a request from a group of employees.
The initial restriction operated in the canteen only but was extended after a survey of staff found that the majority were in favour of extending the ban to include most other areas.
A total ban on smoking was introduced when the company moved to larger, custom built premises later in 2000. The smoke-free areas now include company vehicles.
Operation Manager David Fyffe says,
“Clients visit the company’s premises to trial the machinery before acceptance and they will bring their product for the purpose of assembly or testing and this must also be kept clean during the trials.”
“Many of our machines will ultimately be required to operate in clean room facilities demanding a high level of cleanliness. In addition to benefiting employees’ health, the smoking restrictions help to ensure an adequate level of cleanliness is maintained throughout our facility and many comments are received from clients regarding the cleanliness of our factory.”
The ban is demonstrated by No Smoking signs at all entrances and Mr Fyffe says that the workforce is positive about the change.
He says the number of staff who smoke has decreased to just a handful since the no-smoking policy was implemented and there has only been one reminder needed for smoking in a company van. Everyone else has complied.
Mr Fyffe says that customers are also happy to comply. It is rare that customers mention it, but they did have a group of customers visit from France recently who all smoked. They were all very good natured however, and were happy to observe the ban once it was explained. It helped that their own company also operated a no-smoking policy.