Smiley Monroe resumes production at reduced capacity

LISBURN manufacturer Smiley Munroe, which makes heavy-duty conveyor belts and custom-cut rubber parts, has resumed production at a reduced capacity after a two-month covid-enforced temporary closure.

And the company, which provides essential equipment to the quarrying, mining, construction and waste sectors, says it is also resuming at its US operation in Kentucky, which it opened last year.

Smiley Monroe has availed of a significant loan through the government’s Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme, facilitated by Danske Bank, to enable it to trade through the current period of uncertainty.

Sales director Chris Monroe said: “Although demand isn’t fully back, the forecast is improving, but it’s still challenging times for all businesses in our sector.

“The health and wellbeing of our team is our first priority, and to keep returning employees safe, we have implemented comprehensive safety measures in line with government guidance.”

He added: “Sales enquiries continue to be strong in the US, suggesting it will be an even more important market us in future.

“There will undoubtedly be some changes in our market, with equipment manufacturers’ production demands potentially reducing in the short term, but their spare parts requirements increasing.

“We are well positioned, and finance from Danske Bank will help as we recalibrate and adapt our sales and marketing strategies to the new economic environment.”

Richard Robinson, corporate banking manager at Danske, said: “Smiley Monroe is a long-established business which has planned extensively for different scenarios and is now implementing its reopening plan, while being vigilant about employee safe. We are pleased to support it as it looks to the future.”

Founded by Vaughan Monroe, the company has 170 staff and serves customers in 60 countries.

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