Agg1/World of Asphalt 2024 is just around the corner and it’s always an important date in the exhibition calendar for the Smiley Monroe team who have attended now for many years.
This year’s edition of the show is a particularly special occasion though as it marks our five years of being incorporated in the USA. And what better way to celebrate than by catching up with our customers and industry partners in Nashville!
Ahead of the show, US Sales Director, Ryan Wright, discusses some of his highlights over the past five years, what to expect at the show and why you should stop by our booth if you’re attending!
5 years of Smiley Monroe Inc - what have been some of your personal highlights?
"I think one of the main highlights for me has been seeing our US team grow. I frequently travel to our production centre in Kentucky and it has been really rewarding meeting new members of the team who have joined over the years to help scale our operations. What started out as a one-man show with Morgan setting up our production centre in Kentucky has rapidly developed into a huge operation in a relatively short space of time.
Seeing our US customer base grow has also been a definite highlight. I make the most of my time in the states by hitting the road and visiting our customers’ sites - it’s great getting an in-person catch up with them and seeing first-hand how they are getting on with their products.
I would also say that the way our customer base has diversified as a result of the expansion to the US is another highlight for me. Aftermarket sales now account for 50% of our US Sales."
How has opening a production center in Kentucky helped grow our customer base in the USA?
"Needless to say, breakdowns can mean a significant hit on the bottom line even if it’s just for an hour or two. Many of our customers rely on quick turnaround times whenever their belts break. So, opening our production center in Kentucky has enabled us to get conveyor belts to our customers even quicker, often providing same or next day dispatch. This has helped get our customers up and running again quickly and helped build a service they can rely on."
Why stop by our booth?
"If you’d like to find out how you can future-proof your machinery, we’ll be showcasing our self-install replacement belt Zip Clip® which could be the perfect solution for you. We’ll also have a range of other belts to see including chevron, ToughFlex® and customized hot vulcanized belts.
And if that’s not enough – you’ll also have a chance to win a YETI cooler. So, be sure to get signed up for the competition at our booth #1745 (Level 3 Exhibition Hall)!"