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#Post#: 79730--------------------------------------------------
Blount Carlton History
DIR By: Chainsawrepair
Date: November 7, 2017, 9:23 am
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Blount History
In 1947, Oregon Saw Chain Company was founded by Joe Cox in
Portland, Oregon. Joe developed the modern saw chain design
after viewing how efficiently timber beetle larva chewed through
wood fiber. Like many other small companies, Oregon Saw Chain
began as a small operation in Joe Cox’s home.
In the years that followed, Joe expanded his saw chain business
and hired several employees. Among these employees was John
Gray, who eventually acquired the company in 1953 and led the
company through a period of strong growth and expansion. In
1957, the company was renamed Omark Industries.
The company continued to grow over the next several decades. In
1980, Omark Industries was listed on the American Stock Exchange
as OMK, and the following year opened a new corporate office in
Portland, Oregon.
In 1985, Omark Industries was purchased by Blount, Inc., which
at the time was a construction company headquartered in
Montgomery, Alabama. Its founder was Winton M. (Red) Blount, who
started his career as a construction contractor and grew a
successful business through world-class construction projects.
In 1991, the company founded the ICS business, which focused on
developing specialized chain saw applications for the
construction industry.
Exiting the construction business in 1993, Blount, Inc. was
renamed Blount International, Inc. and turned its focus
exclusively to manufacturing. Almost overnight, Blount went from
a worldwide construction company to a worldwide manufacturing
company.
In 1997, Blount purchased Frederick Manufacturing Corp. of
Kansas City, Missouri, a well-known and respected manufacturer
of lawnmower blades and supplier of lawn and garden products.
The acquisition marked Blount’s substantial expansion of its
outdoor equipment parts business.
In 1999, Blount was acquired by Lehman Brothers Merchant Banking
and five years later was listed on the New York Stock Exchange
under the ticker symbol BLT.
In 2002, Blount’s corporate headquarters moved from Montgomery,
Alabama to Portland, Oregon to the headquarter offices of the
company’s Outdoor Products segment that consisted of Oregon
Cutting Systems and ICS.
Blount has grown its business by developing world-class
manufacturing operations and a strong worldwide distribution
network. The company expanded its operations through the
addition of manufacturing plants in Guelph, Canada (1952);
Portland, Oregon (1965); Curitiba, Brazil (1979); and Fuzhou,
China (2005), as well as through acquisitions of complementary
businesses, such as Frederick Manufacturing (1997), Windsor
(2000), Carlton Company (2008), SpeeCo (2010), KOX (2011), and
Woods Equipment and TISCO (2011).
#Post#: 79731--------------------------------------------------
Re: Blount Carlton History
DIR By: Chainsawrepair
Date: November 7, 2017, 9:23 am
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1963
After working for years as the Chief Engineer for a major saw
chain company, Ray Carlton realized that manufacturing saw chain
was not only a profession it was a highly skilled technology.
Ray felt that the existing method of sharpening cutters before
the chain was assembled was flawed and knew he could improve the
product by changing the process. In 1963, Ray decided to pursue
his concept by re-engineering the manufacturing process. Ray's
new concept not only automated the production but completely
changed the assembly sequence to increase the reliability of the
cutting edge of the chain. This innovation in saw chain
manufacturing quickly established Carlton Company as a quality
supplier in the industry.
1965
Starting out with the Carlton E-Z Feed and Stay-Sharp chain.
Carlton chain is considered the easiest to maintain in the field
by many professionals. By 1965 the company is firmly established
in the industry as a major supplier of saw chain.
The development of the File O Plate® sharpening tool was one of
many Carlton advancements. This design provided the industry
with a hand held tool that would allow them to duplicate factory
cutting angles.
1969
After 2 1/2 years of rigid testing the Champion saw chain was
introduced in 1969. The 3/8" pitch chain is considered the
smoothest chain on the market and well received by both
professional and casual users. With the addition of the Champion
saw chain, Carlton positions itself as the worldwide leader in
the development of new type saw chains.
1974
By 1974 Carlton Company had experienced consistent growth that
was demanding more and more production space. In May of this
year the company completed a new office and manufacturing
facility in Milwaukie, Oregon more than doubling existing
manufacturing capabilities.
1976
Several years of research in the 70's resulted in a patent
issued to Carlton Company for the development of a progressive
stamping die and new process to form cutters. The progressive
forming eliminated metal fatigue through a cold forging process
and provided a finished product with the strongest top plate in
the market.
1980
Continuing innovations resulted in the introduction of the
deflector depth gauge in 1980. The new design which reduced
kickback and improved the smoothness of the cut was so well
received by the industry that it was later added to all other
chain types.
1981
As the company grew so did our expertise in the market. In 1981
Carlton Company was actively involved in the development of
industry safety standards including the drafting of the ANSI
ANSI B175.1 safety standard for gasoline powered chainsaws.
1983
In November of this year Carlton Company introduced the new
Magna Chisel .325 chain. The chain was specifically designed for
the the lightweight, mid-horsepower professional saws. The
unique design included more cutters than standard 3/8" chain
increasing the cutting speed and the toughness required for use
in harsh conditions.
1985
The Guard link saw chain series was the first low kickback saw
chain to earn certification to the ANSI B175.1 standard. Our
experienced personnel and technical expertise positioned Carlton
Company as the choice for testing all major chainsaw
manufacturer's products.
1992
G7S - 3/4" pitch harvester chain was introduced in 1992. The
"Chipper" style cutter design and superior quality became the
industry benchmark for 3/4" pitch chain.
1995
Russell German was named President of the Company.
Sustained growth during the 1980's and 1990's demanded the
expansion of our manufacturing facilities. In 1995 we completed
a second facility dedicated the manufacture of 3/8" low profile
saw chain.
Bumper guard links replaced bumper tie straps on 3/8" low
profile and .325" pitch saw chain.
1997
Russell German named President and Chief Executive Officer.
1998
This year marked our 35th year of manufacturing high quality
professional saw chain. By now, the company had expanded
distribution to almost every country in the world and a sales
office in Italy was opened to provide localized service and
support for our European customers.
Our continued commitment to quality was recognized in May of
1998 as Carlton Company achieved ISO 9001 Certification.
1999
Carlton Company realized that the saw chain market was evolving
from a commercial market. The smaller, low horsepower, chainsaw
models were reaching a more casual consumer market. In 1999 we
expanded our presence in the U.S. market with a private label
line of chain saw accessories designed for sales in the Home
Depot stores throughout the United States and Canada.
2000
The evolution of low horsepower gas and electric chainsaws
created an increased demand for smaller, lighter saw chain and
guide bars. Carlton quickly reacted to the new demand with the
introduction of 3/8" low profile narrow kerf (.043") and .325"
narrow kerf chains and bars.
2001
Private label successes in the consumer market led Carlton
Company to introduce a Carlton branded line of retail products.
The product line was launched with a complete selection of the
most popular chains, accessories and combinations.
Our Harvester product line was expanded to include a complete
range of accessories to complement the chains and bars.
2002
As the consumer market expanded it became obvious that Carlton
would have to make some changes to maintain their high standard
of customer service. To increase speed to market and improve
delivery to our retail customers a distribution facility was
established in Atlanta, Georgia to service the eastern half of
the United States.
2003
Year over year continued growth made further expansion a
necessity. In 2003 Carlton completed a 100,000 + square foot
addition adjacent to our existing manufacturing facility in
Milwaukie, Oregon. The new complex resulted in improved
efficiencies and record breaking production.
2004
The product line was expanded again with the introduction of
1/4" pitch chain and bars. The reduced size and weight of 1/4"
pitch products are specifically designed as a flexible tool for
the detailed art of carving timber.
Carlton Company further increased it's presence in Europe by
opening a distribution facility in The Netherlands and a sales
office in Germany to increase support and service for that
market.
2008
The Carlton Company was purchased by Blount International, a
global manufacturer and marketer of replacement parts,
equipment, and accessories for the forestry, lawn, and garden;
farm, ranch, and agriculture; and concrete cutting and finishing
markets, and is the market leader in manufacturing saw chain and
guide bars for chain saws. Blount sells its products in more
than 100 countries around the world.
#Post#: 79732--------------------------------------------------
Re: Blount Carlton History
DIR By: Chainsawrepair
Date: November 7, 2017, 9:24 am
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HTML http://www.blount.com/blount_company_about.asp?p=co
Link no longer works. They are gone gone.
HTML http://www.carltonproducts.com/carlton_company_history.asp
#Post#: 79733--------------------------------------------------
Re: Blount Carlton History
DIR By: HolmenTree
Date: November 7, 2017, 10:27 am
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Good history lesson with accurate dates.
Ray Carlton originally was a engineer for Oregon and another
Oregon employee Walter Galer jumped ship and joined Windsor
Industries in Burnaby, B.C. to lead their development of
sawchain, bars and accessories.
#Post#: 79749--------------------------------------------------
Re: Blount Carlton History
DIR By: Philbert
Date: November 9, 2017, 1:36 pm
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Blount eventually acquired / purchased: Carlton, Windsor,
Sandvik, KOX, ICS, and a few other saw chain brands.
They also private labeled a number of chains for OEM saw
manufacturers.
Philbert
#Post#: 79750--------------------------------------------------
Re: Blount Carlton History
DIR By: HolmenTree
Date: November 9, 2017, 2:28 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
--- Quote from: Philbert link ---
>
> Blount eventually acquired / purchased: Carlton, Windsor,
Sandvik, KOX, ICS, and a few other saw chain brands.
>
> They also private labeled a number of chains for OEM saw
manufacturers.
>
> Philbert
>
--- End Quote ---
I believe Blount bought out what forestry line of product
Sandvik marketed with Windsor.
Sandvik earlier successfully sued Windsor over a patent and took
over the company.
But if my memory is correct Sandvik sold out their share of
Windsor to Blount.
Sandvik is still heavily involved in the hard rock mining
industry up here in my area.
#Post#: 79769--------------------------------------------------
Re: Blount Carlton History
DIR By: Philbert
Date: November 10, 2017, 10:49 am
---------------------------------------------------------
Took a bit of digging, but here is a bit about the parent
company, Blount (pronounced 'blunt'), prior to acquiring the
Oregon chain business (broken into several parts to accommodate
limits on post length).
Philbert
Part 1
1946: Blount Brothers go into the contracting business.
1951: The Blounts begin to land more complex military
construction projects.
1968: Co-founder Winton Blount is named U.S. Postmaster General.
1971: Blount becomes a Delaware corporation.
1972: Blount, Inc. goes public after acquiring J.P. Burroughs &
Sons.
1985: Blount acquires Omark Industries of Portland, Oregon.
1994: Blount exits the construction business to focus on
manufacturing.
1997: Federal Cartridge is acquired.
1999: Lehman Brothers acquires Blount in a leveraged buy-out
(LBO).
2001: Federal Cartridge sold to Alliant Techsystems (ATK).
Company History:
Blount International, Inc. is a diversified manufacturing and
distributing business. The company's three main businesses
include outdoor products, industrial and power equipment, and
sporting equipment. Its product line ranges from specialty
riding mowers to log loading machinery.
Blount's manufacturing facilities are spread throughout the
United States, Canada, and Brazil. Its distribution network is
active in more than 100 countries. The company makes chain saw
accessories and concrete cutting system through its Oregon
Cutting Systems Division, which accounts for three-quarters of
Outdoor Products sales. It produces lawn mowers through Dixon
Industries, Inc. The Industrial and Power Equipment segment
supplies timber harvesting equipment, industrial tractors, and
components for the gear industry.
Origins
By the time Winton Blount, a former B-29 pilot, and his brother
Houston returned to their hometown of Union Springs, Alabama,
after World War II, the family sand and gravel business had
almost completely deteriorated. Winton and Houston's father had
died during the war, and along with him the driving force behind
the company. The two brothers, however, were determined to
rebuild it, and within a few weeks they had purchased U.S. Army
surplus equipment to use for sand and gravel projects. Winton,
ever on the lookout for opportunities and bargains, decided
rather impulsively to purchase four D-7 Caterpillar tractors a
short time later. When Houston asked his brother why he had
purchased the tractors, Winton replied that they were going into
the contracting business.
#Post#: 79770--------------------------------------------------
Re: Blount Carlton History
DIR By: Philbert
Date: November 10, 2017, 10:50 am
---------------------------------------------------------
Part 2
The first contracts the brothers landed were for constructing
fish ponds in and around Union Springs. By the summer of 1946,
the two siblings were doing subcontract work for the Alabama
Highway. Although neither Winton nor Houston had any prior
experience in constructing highways, they worked on numerous
highways, roads, and bridges throughout Mississippi and Alabama
during the late 1940s. Their first big break came in 1949 with a
$1 million contract to build the superstructure for a viaduct in
Birmingham, Alabama.
By 1951, the brothers had constructed their first building,
followed shortly by a few gymnasiums. In the same year, the
company, known as Blount Brothers Construction Company, procured
a very lucrative contract to build a 500,000-square-foot plant
used by Sperry to manufacture missile components for the U.S.
Navy. In 1952, the company won a contract that significantly
altered the way it conducted business. A highly technical
project, the contract was for building segments of a wind tunnel
for the U.S. Air Force at the Arnold Engineering Development
Center, near Tullahoma, Tennessee. Winton and Houston soon
discovered that highly technical projects were not only more
profitable, but that there was less competition for such
contracts. As a result, they started to concentrate on complex
construction-type projects, some of which were one-of-a-kind
buildings. Soon after the U.S. Air Force project, the company
constructed an atomic energy facility at Oak Ridge, Tennessee,
and took on other increasingly complex projects.
#Post#: 79771--------------------------------------------------
Re: Blount Carlton History
DIR By: Philbert
Date: November 10, 2017, 10:51 am
---------------------------------------------------------
Part 3
By the middle of the decade, the Blount brothers were not only
deeply involved in the construction industry, but also in the
materials business, including gravel and sand, as well as
asphalt and concrete pipe production. At this time, Houston
Blount decided that he wanted to devote his attention
exclusively to the materials operation. Thus, the two brothers
organized all their plants in the materials business and formed
the Vulcan Materials Company. Houston resigned from Blount
Brothers Construction to become president and chief executive
officer of the new firm.
Explosive Growth in the 1950s and 1960s
Under Winton's strong leadership, Blount Brothers Construction
continued to grow. The company was awarded major contracts by
the U.S. Air Force to build Bomark and Nike nuclear missile
bases in California, Massachusetts, Michigan, and Minnesota. In
1958, Blount Brothers constructed the first intercontinental
missile facility in Wyoming. It was the first time the firm was
asked to build a site under the "principle of concurrency,"
meaning that the design and testing of the missile was carried
out as the facility itself was being designed and constructed;
each testing of the missile resulted in a change of building
specifications on the job site. Shortly afterwards, the company
was contracted by the U.S. Navy to build an "indoor ocean" so
that ship models could be tested under the most stringent
conditions. The company also constructed the launching
facilities at Cape Canaveral for the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo
space programs, as well as the world's biggest rocket test silo.
Other projects during the late 1950s involved the construction
of nuclear reactors, a cyclotron, the Atlanta airport, and
numerous dams and river locks.
#Post#: 79772--------------------------------------------------
Re: Blount Carlton History
DIR By: Philbert
Date: November 10, 2017, 10:53 am
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Part 4
By 1962, Blount Brothers was growing so rapidly that it passed
the $100 million mark for construction contracts. In the same
year, the construction industry's trade publication, Engineering
News-Record, ranked Blount as the thirty-third largest
construction company in the United States. However, although
Blount benefited from the federal government's practice of
awarding lump-sum contracts to the lowest bidder that could
provide high-quality work, another government policy of using
public work funds to regulate the economy began to create
extreme cycles within the construction industry as a whole. As a
consequence of this latter policy, management at Blount decided
to decrease its reliance on government contracts and seek more
work in the private or corporate sector.
In order to capture a significant share of the contracts in
private industry, the company started a business development
department and opened satellite offices in Boston, Chicago, and
Houston. Initially, Blount was forced to accept small jobs, but
these soon grew into larger and larger contracts. In 1967,
management decided to embark upon an aggressive acquisitions
program to accelerate its entry into private sector
construction. The first acquisition was the Benjamin F. Shaw
Company, a leader in the manufacture and installation of piping
for chemical, paper, and power plants, as well as for oil
refineries.
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