William Smart - Australian Business Man serving health sector

I am William Smart-  the founder of Smartline Medical Pty Ltd (Year 1996). Our business is located on the Sunshine Coast of Australia.

Smartline (Medical) was established when I was 23 years old as a manufacturer of automated machinery for fruit and food packaging - however over the next 32 years we found our niche manufacturing specialised medical equipment mainly focused on the sterilisation departments and operating theatres in hospitals.

Our intelligent products are designed and manufactured in Australia, and we distribute to over 20 countries around the world via large scale, global distributors.

The focus of the business is to continually create new innovative and intelligent products, especially focused on productivity and safety around infection control and management of sterile instruments.

My career in product design and manufacture has allowed me to complete two trades in machining and welding, and to be an advanced draftsman in 3D Computer Modelling.

Whilst my engineering and design skills certainly pushed business forward with world class leading products, I also had take risks and secure a suitable factory premises, and build a competent team. Our team has a great culture, and many of our staff have been with the business for over 15 years and some as long as 30 years. We have a broad skill range of engineers, designers, managers, marketing, production and distribution staff.

I was blessed to have an exceptional son Lachie Smart, who at 18 years old set the world record as the "Youngest Pilot to circumnavigate the world in a single engine aircraft".

Lachie's competence in fundraising, his networking abilities and attention to detail allowed him to excel through university in Business and Accounting, and now at 25 years old, he sits as an effective General Manager of our business for the past three years. Lachie is also a keynote speaker and youth visionary with a solid global profile.
Mentoring and leading others is an important value in my family and our business.

I was also fortunate to meet Mr. Soeren Iversen who is my business partner and a shareholder in Smartline. Soeren has brought great skill into the growth and management of our international distribution and is a strong mentor to our team.

What led you to a career in Industry?
General manufacturing is a complex and ever-changing field, and whilst we made a variety of machines, building products and automation control, I always loved hospitals and health. I have many doctors and health specialists in my family. Once I started to make a few health products I realised what a difference we could make and how satisfying it is to lead new technologies into health.

What are some of the biggest lessons you’ve learned as a professional?
Building a team of dedicated and competent people is hard but remains the most important aspect of business. Integrity and straight talk allows everyone to know what you stand for and what you hope to achieve.

What do you love most about living in your country ? Australia is a clean, progressive and educated country with many warm and sincere people who work hard, and have a strong sense of community.


what is your favourite:

Perfume: Ralph Lauren - "Safari"

Movie - The Gods Must Be Crazy

Show - Vikings on Netflix

Song - Wonderful World - Louis Armstrong

Band - Leonard Cohen

Book - Mover of Men and Mountains - Greg LeTourneau

Sport - Rugby

Cuisine - Asian fusion

Holiday destination - Europe