Sammy Wilson congratulates local firm’s success in the export market

Finance Minister, Sammy Wilson, has visited Smiley Monroe Ltd in Lisburn, a family owned firm employing 90 people.
~ Thursday, 29 December 2011

Since its foundation in 1979, Smiley Monroe Ltd 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.

“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.”

Concluding the Minister said: “Smiley Monroe Ltd are to be commended for having the initiative and taking its business to new markets and I would like to wish them every success with their expansion in India in 2012 as they open a sales office in New Delhi.”

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