A wire mesh belt for use as a conveyor. The wire mesh belt has a plurality of links which are interlocked to form the wire mesh belt. First straight portions, second straight portions and bent portions of the links form passages which extend across the length of each link. A longitudinal axis of each link extends generally transversely to a longitudinal axis of the wire mesh belt. Support inserts are provided in the passages of respective links. The cooperation of the support inserts with the links provides support to the wire mesh belt to minimize the deformation of the wire mesh belt.