Special Mine Services, Inc. (SMS) was founded in September 1983 with the mission of distributing and repairing electrical cables for the coal mining industry in Illinois, Indiana, and Kentucky. Recognizing a need within a few years, the company expanded its operations to manufacture electrical connectors to accompany the cables it sold. This shift marked the beginning of SMS’s transformation. While the company continues to provide cable repair and distribution services within the region, it has become a leading manufacturer of industrial electrical connectors, with a domestic and international footprint that continues to grow across traditional and emerging industries.
SMS produces industrial electrical connectors used in mining, underground construction, portable power, heavy equipment, and entertainment industries. While its products are utilized globally, the company remains deeply rooted in the local community by creating stable employment opportunities and contributing to the regional economy.
Southern Illinois has provided the ideal foundation for SMS’s success. The region’s reliable workforce has allowed the company to retain talented employees while attracting new ones. Its location near two major interstates, I-57 and I-64, provides logistical advantages for distributing products. Beyond business considerations, Southern Illinois offers a high quality of life. The nearby Shawnee National Forest and local lakes provide recreational opportunities that appeal to both employees and visiting customers.
The company has overcome challenges, including shifting the perception of its identity. Originally a local business, SMS has grown into a global enterprise, requiring both internal and external stakeholders to adapt to its evolving mission. This transition has allowed SMS to seize new opportunities and thrive in a competitive marketplace.
Partnerships have been critical to the company’s growth. SMS has worked with the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Southern Illinois University Carbondale and the International Trade Center (ITC) at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. The ITC has provided valuable market research, helped identify international distributors, and connected SMS with entities such as the Illinois Office of Trade and Investment and the U.S. Commercial Service. These collaborations have been vital to SMS’s successful international expansion in recent years.
The company attributes much of its success to the small-town atmosphere of Southern Illinois, which provides a strong sense of community while offering the resources necessary for growth. This balance has made the region an appealing place to operate and expand.
SMS’s ability to adapt to industry trends has been a hallmark of its success. Initially focused on serving the coal mining industry, the company has broadened its reach to support mining and construction operations worldwide. This includes critical minerals mining, which plays a key role in the electrification of industrial equipment and private vehicles. The company has also developed innovative products, such as battery jumper assemblies, which minimize downtime for battery electric mining equipment during battery swaps.
Special Mine Services, Inc. is a shining example of a business that has successfully combined local roots with global ambitions. By leveraging resources, embracing innovation, and staying connected to its community, SMS continues to grow and make an impact far beyond Southern Illinois.