275 year-old manufacturer celebrates birthday with expansion
FAMILY manufacturing firm Richard Carter Ltd is celebrating its 275th anniversary, having been in business since the first British Prime Minister Sir Robert Walpole in 1740, with major expansion plans.
The sixth generation family-run firm, which manufactures hand tools, is planning to construct a 9,000 sq ft warehouse after experiencing increasing demand.
A time capsule will be buried under the new site, located next to the firm’s current factory. It will be the first time the company has expanded since moving manufacturing sites to Honley in 1999, to provide more storage, and expanding its facilities.
Managing director of Yorkshire’s second oldest family-run firm, Richard Carter said: “This is a landmark year for us, 275 years since our founder, Jeremiah Carter, made the very first Carters hand tool and I’m thrilled to mark the occasion by expanding our premises which is testament to the skill and workmanship of all the staff who work for us, past and present.
“We have exciting plans for 2015, not least creating our very own time capsule and opening the new warehouse, which only goes to strengthen our commitment to UK manufacturing, providing jobs and skilled work to local people, for another 275 years to come.”
Richard Carter Ltd has seen 10 monarchs reign in Britain, starting with King George II, supplied the front line in the First and Second World Wars and survived despite a major fire in 1957 which almost finished the business.
Founded by Jeremiah Carter in Huddersfield in 1740, current managing director Richard Carter is its founder’s great-great-great-great-great grandson.
