With its start as a London jeweller in the 19th century, Smiths Group has for most of its history operated as a company operating disparate but economically attractive businesses. Thematically, it runs businesses that manufacture niche products in security- or safety-sensitive industries. Today, Smiths Group is split across five divisions: mechanical seals, medical supplies, weapons detection, electrical connectors, and specialised hoses. The end customers for these products include NASA, government security or defense departments, and hospitals.