SMR eyes a whole new future through Re-Time collaboration

LONSDALE-based SMR Automotive has applied for global certification as a medical devices manufacturer - a move that will help its ongoing diversification and also boost its collaboration with light therapy glasses maker Re-Time.

Ben Olsen and John Scott taking a look at the finished Re-Timer light therapy glasses coming off the production line at SMR Automotive. Picture: MATT LOXTON.

LONSDALE-based SMR Automotive has applied for global certification as a medical devices manufacturer - a move that will help its ongoing diversification and also boost its collaboration with light therapy glasses maker Re-Time.

The certification process is under way now and likely to be completed by March, SMR general manager John Scott said.

“We are heavily into diversification and the partnership with Re-Time has seen us invest heavily in staff training and tools and a medical-grade clean room.”

“This certification will now open up more project and partnership opportunities, which will help sustain our 500 staff at a time when auto parts manufacturing is under pressure.”

SMR, which made the world’s first “plastic glass” automotive mirror in collaboration with University of South Australia’s researchers recently, has more than 50 engineers working on the design, manufacture and distribution of high quality products for a broad range of industries.

“There is no doubt that with the demise of the Australian automotive manufacturing industry there will be challenging times ahead,” Mr Scott said.

“While we continue to pursue opportunities within global automotive supply chains, SMR is also a good fit with the medical technology sector because of our global reach and ability to

develop, design, manufacture, distribute and manage the supply chain of unique high-end

products such as medical devices.”

Mr Scott said the company was working on other projects with universities.

SMR Automotive started manufacturing Re-Timer glasses in 2012, which was spun out from Flinders University research in 2010.

Re-Timer glasses shine an ultraviolet-free green light into the wearer’s eyes to help adjust the body clock to sleep routines and are exported globally with celebrities and sporting stars among its clients.

Now used as part of cancer research trials in the US, the certification for SMR will help Re-time to sell its product as a medical device.

“Collaborating with SMR has been important to the success of Re-Timer. Their ability to design a product and source components through a mature supply chain reduced our time to market,” said Re-Time managing director Ben Olsen.

“We have now delivered profits in two out of those three years. That has removed the necessity to conduct a second round of capital raising and also allowed us to pay our first dividend to shareholders,” Mr Olsen said.

“Re-Timer is now the largest selling wearable device of its kind in the world, exporting 85 per cent of what is produced.

“Tapping into more markets as a medical device definitely widens the opportunities for us.”