The original hand tool manufacturer. Celebrating 275 years in UK manufacturing

Richard Carter Ltd are celebrating their 275th anniversary year in UK manufacturing. Throughout 2015 the Company will be marking their history that takes us right back to 1740!

2015/2016 will see an expansion of the business with a 9,000 Sq. Ft. factory, which is already underway!

Few British companies can trace their traditions as far back as Carters, the original hand tool manufacturers who are the 2nd oldest family-run firm in Yorkshire.

Take a look through our historic timeline...and see just how far back the Company goes and everything Carters has seen!

1740

In the beginning...

Jeremiah Carter, a Blacksmith, founded the business in Highburton Huddersfield. He married a local girl and had 12 children, becoming an established 'Edge Tool Manufacturer'.

1740

1800's

Family Enterprise

Great grandson of Jeremiah, Richard Carter I was born in 1828. The business by now was a family enterprise run by the sons and grandchildren of Jeremiah.

1800's

1850

The new company home

Richard Carter I and a distant cousin, Ben, formed a partnership and transferred the business to Dene Works, Kirkburton. This site would be the Company home for the next 150 years.

1850

1880's

The industrial revolution

The industrial revolution completely changed the landscape of UK manufacturing. The Company adapted to supply the rapidly expanding coal mining industries in Yorkshire and Nottinghamshire as Great Britain was now the 'workshop of the world'.

1880's

1865 - 1883

Introduction of
steam power

In 1865 Richard Carter I introduced steam for power and gas for lighting. Due to increased demand a dedicated woodturning department was established, acquiring specialist machinery and importing Hickory from the USA.

1865 - 1883

1887

Richard Carter II was born

Whilst the business expanded further, it suffered a few years of lean activity. The onset of the Boer War 1898-1901 brought a much needed increase in demand.

1887

1909

The formation of a limited company

In 1909, Richard Carter I's 3 sons: Wilfred, Arthur and Robert formed Richard Carter LTD. Employing mostly family members and relatives.

1909

1914 - 1918

1st World War

Ernest Carter spent 347 days at war while keeping the family updated with regular letters. Ernest died at war in 1917. During the time of the 1st World War the business still continued to manufacture large quantities of shovels.

1914 - 1918

1939 - 1945

2nd World War

As a Protected Establishment, the Company undertakes direct government contracts under the "Essential Work Order". Working an average of 67 hours a week, in excess of 1500 tools per week are dispatched for the war effort.

1939 - 1945

1957 - 1961

The great fire &
Richard Carter III

The 26th January 1957 sees disaster strike the Company as a devastating fire engulfs the premises: destroying the Woodshed and most of the Smithy. 1961 brings the birth of Richard Carter III, the current Managing Director.

1957 - 1961

1970's

Non family director

Following the retirement of Phillip Carter, Philip Everitt joins The Company alongside Duncan Carter (M.D) as the first director appointed from outside the family in 234 years.

1970's

1977 - 1984

Modernisation

1977 saw the start of major redevelopments including new builds and modernisation of the manufacturing process. The 1984 Miners strike forced the Company to expand its customer base away from the Mining industry.

1977 - 1984

1990

250th Anniversary

Joint Managing Directors Richard Carter III and Philip Everitt celebrate 250 years of the business.

1990

1999

New premises

In 1999 new premises were bought and redeveloped. The company moved in 2000 after spending 150 years at Dene Works, Kirkburton. At twice the size, the new premises allowed for expansion, modernisation and future growth.

1999

2010

Manufacturing method changes and a new Director

Early 2000's saw major changes in manufacturing methods implemented for both shovels and handles. William Green joined the company in 2010 as Director working with Richard Carter III.

2010

2015

275th anniversary year

2015 sees Richard Carter Ltd celebrate 275 years of manufacturing in the UK.

A 9000 Sq. ft. factory exansion is underway and other exciting plans are in the pipeline.

2015

2018

Introduction of new ranges, designed with customers in mind.

2018