Building for the long run: Smiley Monroe Inc keeps growing strong in the North American Market

By Morgan Walker, VP – Smiley Monroe Inc

North America represents a significant and diverse market for bulk material handling. Across aggregates,  C&D, and   environmental, operators rely on conveyor systems that are expected to perform consistently in demanding environments and at scale.

For us at Smiley Monroe Inc, establishing ourselves in this market has always been about more than just visibility. From the get-go, the focus has been on building trust through products that are proven in day-to-day operation and supported by a team that understands how these sites run.

Over time, the nature of our conversations with customers has evolved to become more detailed and focused on solving real pains in their operations. Being present in the North American market helped our customers grow familiar with Smiley Monroe, allowing them to trust more on our expertise and experience in the field.

Understanding the Needs of the North American Market

One of the key learnings from working in North America is the importance of understanding how operations differ between  sectors, conveyor setup, maintenance practices and material types – these all influence what customers expect from their conveyor belts.

That insight shapes how we approach product selections and development for this market. The emphasis is on belts that are well suited to high throughput environments, and applications where reliability and consistency are critical to keep our customers’ operations moving.

ZIP CLIP®: A Strong Fit for US Operations

ZIP CLIP® has become one of Smiley Monroe’s most widely adopted products in the US because it aligns well with how many North American operations manage conveyor maintenance and how much they value reducing their downtime.

Being able to replace a conveyor belt without waiting for specialist vulcanizing crews and minimal input from maintenance crews offers clear operational advantages. For many customers, ZIP CLIP® provides greater flexibility when dealing with belt failures and unplanned maintenance, while also supporting safer installation practices for site teams.

Its continued uptake across environmental , aggregates and other industries reflects the value operators place on products that are practical, proven, and easy to install.

Why INTEGRACLEAT™ Is a Key Focus for CONEXPO CON/AGG

INTEGRACLEAT™ is another product that has been developed with real-world applications firmly in mind. Cleated belts are widely used across North America, particularly where material needs to be conveyed on inclines or where space constraints dictate conveyor design.

Traditional methods of attaching cleats can introduce stress points over time. INTEGRACLEAT™ addresses this by manufacturing the cleats and belt as a single, continuous structure. This approach is designed to deliver consistent strength at the cleat base and support reliable performance in demanding applications.

Customers can center their trust on INTEGRACLEAT™’s integrally molded cleat construction and its’ suitability for heavy-duty environments. 

The Importance of CONEXPO CON/AGG

CONEXPO CON/AGG remains a valuable opportunity to connect directly with customers, partners, and peers from across the industry. It provides space for open conversations about challenges, changing requirements, and where conveyor technology needs to evolve.

When visitors meet the Smiley Monroe team in Las Vegas this year, they can expect practical discussions and the opportunity to see our hero products – INTEGRACLEAT™, ZIP CLIP® and ToughFlex® – in person. Supported by hands-on experience and a clear understanding of how these belts are used in the field, our team are well positioned to help advise on your conveyor belt requirements.

Looking Ahead

The focus for Smiley Monroe Inc in North America is on continued development, closer collaboration with customers, and expanding our product range to better support customers needs.

As applications evolve and demands change, our priority remains the same: listen carefully, build belts that are fit for purpose, and support customers with knowledge and experience they can rely on.