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
