NI Manufacturer Expands Operations In The USA

Northern Ireland manufacturer Smiley Monroe Group has strengthened its position in the USA with a landmark apprenticeship programme.

The firm officially launched its first accredited Conveyor Belt Production Apprenticeship Program in the USA.

Smiley Monroe is the leading producer of customised, endless conveyor belts for the mobile materials processing industry supplying prestigious OEM customers such as Wirtgen, McCloskey and Terex. Founded in 1979 in Northern Ireland, the company opened their third production facility in 2020 in Franklin, Kentucky.

With strategic plans to further expand within the North American market, Smiley Monroe is committed to replicating the skilled workforce, culture and core values which have underpinned their success to date. Working in conjunction with The Kentucky Office of Employer and Apprenticeship Services Smiley Monroe has developed the first apprenticeship of its kind with the first two candidates due to commence the Conveyor Belt Production Technician program in 2023.


The Conveyor Belt Production Technician Apprenticeship will be a three year modern apprenticeship program designed to create skilled jobs in the Franklin area whilst building a happy, healthy and engaged workforce that feels valued and supported in all they do. If successful, similar apprenticeship programs will be introduced throughout the Smiley Monroe Group in conjunction with local educational authorities and colleges.

The learning and development of employees is a major focus across the Smiley Monroe Group and is a strategic pillar in their ambitious growth plans to triple sales by 2028.

Jayne Peters, Director of People & Culture of the Smiley Monroe Group, said: "Since we expanded our UK operations into the USA in 2020, we have strived to create a culture which matches our values, allowing people the opportunity to thrive and develop with us as a business. The Conveyor Belt Production Technician program offers the opportunity to join an ambitious company with strong family values and learn a new, valuable skill along the way. With a strong sales pipeline and industry forecast we are confident that this initial apprenticeship intake is just the start of a long and successful program in the Franklin area."