Lisburn business reports growth in exports

The company, based at Knockmore Hill Industrial Park, has taken part in Invest NI trading initiatives which included participation at the recent International Quarrying and Recycling Exhibition at Buxton in Derbyshire, to develop contacts that have led to new business in key markets such as the US and India.

Smiley Monroe have also received support and advice in establishing an office near Bangalore, India to develop interest there in their range of products for the materials handling industry.

The company’s achievements were announced by Vaughan Monroe, the Managing Director of Smiley Monroe, and welcomed by Dr Vicky Kell, Invest NI Trade Director, who said: “This is an immensely important achievement by a company operating a highly competitive marketplace and against a difficult global business environment.

“The success is based on strategic focus on existing and potential clients in both established markets such as the US and Europe, but also developing nations, especially India.

“The company has recognised that growth is possible by strategically investing resources in developing the closest possible relationships with customers, both existing and potential, to understand their business and their individual requirements. This approach enables Smiley Monroe to respond quickly and effectively to their specific requirements.

“In addition, the company has strengthened its global competitiveness by investing in innovation, particularly in new products.” Dr Kell added.

Mr Monroe said: “Our products perform every day in the toughest applications and in the most challenging markets; from the UK and Ireland to Europe, US, Canada, Africa, Australasia and now India, where we have recently established an office.

“We have taken part in a number of Invest NI trade initiatives, including exhibitions in the US, UK and India, to enable us to exploit market opportunities in markets such as India. By staying in touch with markets and particularly customers, we’ve been able to respond quickly to their requirements and to develop highly innovative solutions for them.”