About Us

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’.

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.

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.

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.

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’.

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.

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

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

As a protected Establishment, the company undertakes direct government contract under ‘Essential Work Order’. Working an average of 67 hours a week, in excess of 1500 tools per week were dispatched for the war effort.

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 the III, who is still active within the business today.

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

1977 saw the start if the 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.

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

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

Despite the recession, the Company continues to develop new products and updating machinery. William Green joined the Company in 2007, becoming a Director in 2010 working alongside Richard Carter III.

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

A 9000 Sq. ft. factory expansion was built allowing for further expansion.

In 2024, the business acquired Fynalite, a well-established stable tool manufacturing company. This strategic move not only broadened the customer base but also unlocked significant export opportunities, paving the way for further growth and expansion into new markets.

We are excited to announce our 2026 partnership with JCB to produce and distribute a range of Contractors and Landscaping Tools under the renowned JCB branding. This collaboration marks a key milestone, enabling us to expand into the builders merchant market and drive significant growth in our business.