Smiths Detection Wins Major Contracts to Provide Security Screening Equipment for Athens Olympics
24 June 2004
More than 260 X-ray systems and 200 chemical agent detectors to safeguard Olympic venues and airports.
London, 24 June 2004 – Smiths Detection, the world’s leading provider of trace detection and X-ray security screening equipment, has secured substantial contracts to supply equipment to detect potential security threats during the Summer Olympic Games, in Athens.
Contracts have been signed covering the lease of more than 260 Smiths Heimann X-ray systems, and the sale of over 200 hand-held Chemical Agent Monitors (CAM) and a quantity of GID-3 chemical agent detectors. The X-ray equipment will be used in the search for explosives, weapons or illegal items at airports and Olympic venues. The CAM will be used by the military and the security forces throughout Greece to detect nerve or blister agents, with the GID-3 providing constant monitoring at sensitive sites, to detect similar threats.
"Security is paramount for these Games and Smiths Detection is honoured to have been selected to supply equipment that meets such demanding specifications," said John Langston, Group Managing Director of Smiths Detection. "Our increasing investment in advanced technologies has been a critical factor for us in winning these major international contracts."
X-ray contracts for Athens Olympics
Smiths Detection has been awarded a contract by the Hellenic Ministry of Development to supply Smiths Heimann X-ray security systems, including the HI-SCAN 6040i and HI-SCAN 7555I machines, to inspect baggage of participants and visitors for threats. The systems will be operated by trained Police staff at the Olympic venues and Olympic village throughout the period of the XXVIII Games.
Providing additional security support for the Summer Olympics, Smiths Detection has received an order from Athens International Airport to provide several Smiths Heimann HI-SCAN 100100V and HI-SCAN 10080 EDtS systems for screening passengers' hold baggage. In addition, the Greek Police force will be supplied with Smiths Heimann HI-SCAN 180180 X-ray inspection systems to check bulky goods for threats during the Olympic games.
These contracts cover the lease of more than 260 X-ray systems in total plus service and maintenance.
Hans Linkenbach, President of Smiths Detection International, said. “We are proud to be able to support the Olympic ideal with our security systems during the Olympic Summer Games in Athens this year. This contract provides our business with the opportunity to help secure the Olympics with quality, state-of-the-art, detection equipment. The goal is to inspect visitors and athletes for forbidden items without hampering the excitement of the festivities. Smiths Detection security systems were picked to ensure a sound and reliable running of security procedures at high sensitivity."
Chemical agent detection contracts
Contracts to supply equipment to detect chemical threat agents were awarded to Smiths Detection by the Hellenic Ministries of National Defence and Public Order. The contracts include over 200 hand-held Chemical Agent Monitors (CAM), plus CAM-SIM units for product training, and a quantity of GID-3 detectors to provide constant monitoring of the atmosphere.
These units will help the military and the security forces in their protection of the Summer Olympic Games. The military contract is first significant purchase of chemical detectors for the Hellenic Armed Forces.
