Conveyors & Drives, Inc. Invests in People and the Industry
By Nicole Needles
FOR MORE THAN five decades, Conveyors & Drives, Inc. (C&D) has been a trusted name in material handling solutions. Founded in 1969, the company has remained rooted in Atlanta, Georgia, on the same road where it first opened its doors. What began as a small distributor of chains, sprockets, motors, and drives has grown into a full-scale systems integrator with national reach.
“While we’ve grown in size, scope and reach, we’ve never lost that ‘roll up your sleeves and solve it’ spirit that got us started,” says Jon Smalling, director of sales and marketing. Today, C&D is recognized not only for delivering conveyor-intensive solutions but also for designing, installing and supporting complex automation projects across industries.
At the heart of C&D’s success is a culture defined by four principles: Do the right thing, Be Dependable, Be Accountable, and Be a Team Player.
“We begin every internal meeting with a reflection of our core values,” Smalling explains. “It sets the tone of accountability and what customers should expect from us.” Weekly discussions focus on win-win solutions, blameless problem-solving and keeping things fun. This has fostered a workplace where, as Smalling puts it, “I have never heard the words ‘that’s not my job.’”
That unity allows C&D to blend the approachable feel of a family-run business with the performance of a large-scale integrator—a balance customers recognize immediately. One of the company’s biggest differentiators is the C&D Way.
“Every client has unique needs, but our sales, engineering and project management approach gives us a scalable, repeatable yet custom solution,” Smalling says. By standardizing its process rather than its solutions, C&D ensures flexibility without sacrificing efficiency.
This adaptability is critical in today’s market, where companies face economic headwinds and labor shortages. C&D designs systems that improve ergonomics and reduce strain on workers, recognizing that automation and robotics are no longer luxuries—they’re essential.
“We want to make sure we are not the reason an employee leaves a customer by having them work on a line that is too taxing,” Smalling notes.
When asked what makes him most proud, Smalling points to two things: the people and the momentum. C&D invests in its team by promoting from within and encouraging participation in vendor training, industry associations and professional networks like MHEDA.
“Our team rallies around our own events too, especially our annual Oktoberfest Open Haus,” Smalling shares. “Seeing our team showcase how far we’ve come as both a company and a brand, while enjoying a little German Polka music, is something truly special.”
Looking ahead, C&D has ambitious plans. “I see us doubling down on being the go-to integrator in the Southeast while expanding our national footprint,” says Smalling. That vision includes tripling the service base, growing the sales team and providing custom controls support for all customers while keeping the same approachable, energetic personality that defines the company today.
“Material handling is fun,” Smalling reflects. “At the end of the day, we’re helping people. That means better jobs, safer workplaces and stronger businesses. If you can do all that while having a little fun, we are doing something right.”
The lesson from Conveyors & Drives, Inc. is clear: success isn’t just about technology or scale. It’s about building a culture of accountability, investing in people and solving real problems with integrity. By staying true to its roots while embracing the future, C&D has carved out a lasting role as both a trusted partner and industry innovator.
