Minister praises local firm’s success in the export market

FINANCE Minister Sammy Wilson has praised the success of Smiley Monroe Ltd in Lisburn during a visit to the firm.

Since its foundation in 1979, Smiley Monroe has become Europe’s largest producer of conveyor belts for the mobile crushing, screening and recycling sectors.

The Minister said: “I welcome this opportunity to congratulate Smiley Monroe Ltd for their resilience in maintaining both their position in the marketplace and employment levels during the present tough economic times we are facing.

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“Reflecting the efforts the company has made in building exports through participating in trade missions to many countries round the world, about 30% of its sales are now to markets outside Northern Ireland.

“Achieving sales and expert services outside Northern Ireland is vital to accelerating our economic recovery. As Europe faces economic uncertainty, there are many new, rapidly growing markets which offer significant opportunities to Northern Ireland businesses across a range of industry sectors, from life sciences and professional services, to construction and manufacturing. This is why encouraging and assisting many more local companies to engage in export activities is a key theme within Invest Northern Ireland’s Boosting Business initiative.”

The family owned firm employs 90 people.