The Story of SMD Technologies

SMD Technologies started with humble beginnings in 2005, rooting itself in South Africa as a supplier of scientific and financial calculators. However, this was just the tip of the iceberg. SMD soon started looking to spread its feelers into a wider variety of consumer products.

SMD Takes on the World

The addition of new products to SMD’s small range meant that trips needed to be made on a global scale, meaning that not only would we need to find a great supplier in China, but we would also need to see what products were trending internationally to make sure that it was brought back to South Africa.

In 2010, SMD signed a contract to become the official distributor of HP products. In 2011, another agreement was signed as we took on the task of Exclusive Global Distributor for Kingsons Laptop Bags. That same year, we decided that the average supplier in China just wasn’t going to cut it, and so we saw SMD open a sourcing office in Shenzhen, China. This meant greater quality control at a more reasonable price. Therefore, our clients get the very best price, for the very best quality.

OEM all the Way

In 2012, the Amplify brand was launched as SMD’s very first brand. Volkano Electronics and Rocka followed suit shortly after in 2013. With the company growing at a rapid rate, it was inevitable that we would go global, and so our UK Office was born in 2014.

2015 saw SMD further climb mountains with the signing of our Disney and Warner Brothers Licensee Agreement, this agreement accounts for distribution in 22 countries.

Not long after in 2016, both Connex, our Windows, and Intel Technology partner, as well as Bounce, our audio range brand, came to pass.

All We do is Win

2016 was a big year for SMD, having won the “Disney partner of the Year Award”. Soon after we were then appointed as the Marvel Licensee. 2017 also saw a lot of successes having won both the “HP Education Partner of the Year Award” as well as the “Disney Product of the Year Award”. If that wasn’t enough, ProBass and Travelwize were launched, and yet another contract was signed for Microsoft and Intel distribution in South Africa.

“Expansion” was the name of the game again, in 2018, as our US Office opened its doors. In the same year, we became appointed distributors for both Sony and Sharp. We ended off the year with a bang by winning the “HP Education Partner of the Year Award” for the second consecutive year.

Onward and Upward for SMD

Not unlike every other year for SMD, 2019 was one filled with change and expansion. Eagerly, the Carlyle Group Acquired a stake in SMD. Further, a new Head Office was Established in Hong Kong. We were appointed the Lenovo distributor within that year. If that wasn’t enough Connex Connect IoT was launched, and yet again, for the third year running, we held the title of “HP Education Partner of the Year”.

Despite the global crisis of Covid-19, in 2020 SMD managed to pull off the impossible. SMD in Partnership with the Gateway group opened its Australia offices. Our USA offices launched their eCommerce division. What’s more, is that SMD Australia signed a licensee agreement with Nickelodeon. Last, but certainly not least, the year 2020 saw the launch of our Eiger appliances.

More Excitement

Another year, another award, we opened 2021 with the Sony EMEA Distributor of the Year award! What a way to start the year in 2021. The year 2021 was a push to get back to some kind of normalcy following the 2020 pandemic. Again, SMD pushed through, having lit up the stage with the launch of our new Switched lighting and multiplug brand.

Although 2022 is far from over, we have accomplished so much. We have launched brands along the lines of, Boden Stark, Everfurn, Timber & Hide, Snapp, and Highlander. Additionally, we have become appointed Licensees for, Con Melon, Pokemon, Star Wars, and Disney Marvel. Further expansion is made with the opening of our new Middle Eastern office in Dubai. Finally, or shall we say so far, we have also acquired the likes of KNR, a distributor of cellular accessories, consumer electronics, and other great products.

What’s Next for SMD?

Well, we don’t want to jump the gun, but it is clear to see historically that we are not the type of company to become stagnant or lie down when things get tough. We are always looking to expand our offering, provide more innovation and stretch our global footprint. So, watch this space, SMD is just getting started!