Our Journey

SAIC Ltd, established in 1976, has been serving the industry for almost half a century. Our journey began in an old carpenter’s workshop in Monks Gate, West Sussex, under the name Southdown Abrasives and Industrial Clothing. Over the years, our business evolved, and family ethos remained at the heart of our company.

Here’s how our journey unfolded:

Monks Gate Era (1976-1987):

SAIC started in an old carpenter’s workshop, focusing on protective clothing and industrial supplies.
The business stayed in Monks Gate, West Sussex, during this period.

Shoreham-By-Sea (1987-2000):

As the company grew, we moved to Shoreham-By-Sea.
Our business model expanded, specialising in surface finishing and related products.
The company name changed to Southdown Abrasives and Industrial Chemicals to reflect our broader scope.

Lancing (2000-Present):

In 2012, SAIC purchased a larger unit in Lancing, where we continue to operate today.

Our Services Include

At SAIC Ltd, we offer a range of services designed to enhance productivity, improve efficiency, and save our customers time and money. Here’s how we can assist you:

Specialist Advice: Our team provides expert advice over the phone or via email. Whether you’re looking for the right abrasive material, tool selection, or process optimisation, we’re here to help. We also offer on-site visits to understand your requirements firsthand and recommend the most efficient solutions.

Industrial Tools: As a distributor of high-performance industrial tools, we supply both pneumatic and electric equipment. Our portfolio includes renowned brands such as Dynabrade, Chicago Pneumatic, Fein, ATA, Mirka, and Universal Tools. From surface finishing to metalworking, we offer professional advice across various industries and substrates.

Tool Servicing: Is your tool not performing optimally? Our tool repair service gets both electric and pneumatic machines back on track. Our authorized engineers inspect and repair tools, ensuring they operate at their best. We maintain an inventory list and history chart for each customer, along with preventative maintenance advice.

Sanding Belt Calculator: Use our popular Sanding Belt Calculator to customise belts for your specific job. We offer belts in various materials, including:

 
Reserve & Consignment Stock: When stock availability is critical, choose our reserve or consignment stock options. We ensure next or same-day availability for your essential needs.

Our Approach

At SAIC, we take a macro-level approach with our customers. We believe that improving efficiencies and production times is more valuable than merely supplying lower-cost abrasives. Here’s how we approach our customers’ needs:

Air Supply and Setup

We start by assessing the quality of air supply and optimising air lines to minimise power loss to tools.
Efficient air supply contributes to tool performance and energy savings.

Tool Selection

We recommend the right tools for specific applications, ensuring optimal performance.
Our expertise covers various substrates, including metal, wood, composites, stone, and glass.

Consumables Analysis

We evaluate consumables, considering production times, refinishing needs, and overall results.
Health and safety implications, such as exposure to hazardous dusts and hand tool vibration levels, are also part of our analysis.

Our Commitment

SAIC remains committed to innovation, quality, and sustainability.
We continue to serve our customers with integrity and expertise, driven by our mission to enhance industrial processes.
Let us be your partner in achieving excellence.