SME

SME Origins

SME, an audio company known for manufacturing high-end turntables and tonearms, originated in 1946 as The Scale Model Equipment Company Limited. Founded by Alastair Robertson-Aikman, the company initially focused on manufacturing scale models and detail parts for the model engineering trade. During the 1950s, SME shifted its focus to precision engineering, primarily producing parts for aircraft instruments and business machines.

In 1959, Robertson-Aikman needed a pickup arm for his personal use and had an experimental model built. This prototype received enthusiastic feedback from his friends in the sound industry, leading to the decision to produce it commercially. The first SME precision pickup arm appeared in September 1959, marking the company’s entry into the audio equipment market.

In 1961, SME opened a new factory in Mill Road, Steyning, Sussex, and changed its name to SME Limited to reflect its new activities. This move allowed the company to expand its product line and establish itself as a leading manufacturer of high-quality audio equipment.