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FUN TIMES

CARTER BROTHERS — A Remarkable Family
By Paul Dilger – Courtesy of OPE Magazine

I would like to introduce you to a most remarkable family who founded what is now Carter Brothers Manufacturing Company. Almost 80 years ago, after World War One and the Great Depression, the Carter family turned their talents, resources and time from farming peanuts to engineering a wheel-driven peanut shaker with patented plowing springs. This first-of-its-kind harvesting tool actually plowed the peanut plant out of the ground and shook the dirt from the roots. The shaker then placed the excavated plant in neat rows, providing for easy gathering. The Carter peanut shaker revolutionized the labor-intensive job of harvesting peanuts and increased the farmer’s ability to generate more income through larger crops. This was an important contribution to America’s industrial revolution!

From peanut-harvesting equipment in the 1930s, the Carters next turned to developing commercial mowing machinery and self-propelled plows for the home consumer in the 1950s. The late 1960s saw the Carters apply their talents to the fun kart industry. Carter Brothers’ research and development in fun kart design and manufacturing propelled this once small company into a leading manufacturer of fun karts. Carter Brothers maintained its position in the karting market by being the first kart manufacturer to use a full bar cage system, larger ATV-type tires, improved drive systems and numerous other innovations that effectively changed the face of the fun kart industry.

In 1971, W.W. Carter became the sole owner of Carter Brothers Mfg. Co. Inc. through a buyout of his brother Charlie. In May 1973, W.W. Carter was joined by his surviving daughter June Carter Arn, and her husband Stuart W. Arn. After W.W. Carter’s retirement in 1979, Stuart W. Arn was made president of Carter Brothers Mfg. Co. and June Carter Arn vice-president.

Carter Brothers overcame two disasters that would have shut down most manufacturers. In 1989, a tornado destroyed the entire assembly building and severely damaged four other structures on their premises. Because of the devastation, it would have been easy to close the business and consider it all a loss. However, the Carter’s commitment to their employees in Brundidge, Alabama, community compelled them to continue. On December 19, 2000, Carter Brothers was dealt another devastating blow. The entire 53,000-square foot manufacturing facility built in 1992 went up in flames. Fortunately, none of Carter’s employees were injured in this mid-morning blaze. Shortly after the smoke had cleared, the Carters and Arns announced their desire to continue in business. As was the case in 1989, they cited their employees as one of the main reasons for their resolve to continue.

Carter Brothers continues to support the Pike County community with more than just employment opportunities. Within Pike County, Carter Brothers has made donations to Pike County Public Schools, Edge Memorial Hospital, Boy Scouts and many other organizations. In addition, Carter Brothers donated an entire parcel of land for the construction of the Hamilton Cross Roads Volunteer Fire station. On April 28, 1997, W.W. Carter received the designation of “Small Business Person of the Year” for the State of Alabama, awarded by the United States Small Business Administration.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Paul Dilger is a retired professor of agricultural engineering at Cal-Poly State University in California. He worked as a mechanic in the U.S. Army before attending college. After graduating from college, Dilger taught mechanics for 25 years. He is currently a private consultant helping companies develop quality service training programs. Visit Paul Dilger’s website at www.imslo.com.

Article is © June 2003 by Outdoor Power Equipment (OPE) magazine and used here with permission. OPE magazine is published monthly by Adams Business Media at 833 W. Jackson Blvd., 7th Floor, Chicago, IL 60607. For subscription information and requests, call Subscription Services at 847-647-7399.

Editor Note: W.W. Carter, founder of Carter Brothers Manufacturing, died on September 6, 2003 at age 89.

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