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Most businesses seem to have a life of their own.
First, the moment of conception. Then the birthing process, where the idea becomes reality. Next, the formative years, where the uniqueness of the organization is defined, and its mission finely honed. The organization - if it is to endure - ultimately must learn the limits of its own potential, and the true strength of its character.
At The Fletcher-Terry Company, we've learned a lot about ourselves over the past 135 years. We've learned to honor the spirit of ingenuity that launched us, and the many generations of customers who have both encouraged and inspired us to achieve excellence at every turn.
That, in essence, is the legacy of The Fletcher-Terry Company.
Join us now for a brief journey down memory lane.
The place: Leverett, Massachusetts. O.M. Pike, a local jeweler, becomes convinced that diamonds can't possibly be the only means for cutting glass. So he ponders, tinkers, and experiments; over time, a crude but marginally effective glass cutter emerges from the debris of his creativity. It's the first of its kind, made from hardened steel rod positioned between two friction rollers.
Mr. Pike received a U.S. Patent in 1868 for his "Magic Diamond" invention. But inventions are worthless without someone to bring them to market.
In steps the R.J. Ives Machine Shop in Bristol, Connecticut. That same year, they formed a partnership with O.M. Pike. The subsequent task of perfecting the breakthrough glass cutter was assigned to one Samuel G. Monce, a 22-year-old employee of the Ives Shop.
After a short time mulling things over, young Monce reasoned as follows: if the sharp periphery of a steel rod produced a scratch when rolled across a glass surface, no doubt a steel wheel would accomplish the same end result with far greater ease.
And so, the "Excelsior" was born, later and more commonly known as the "Bristol Diamond." It was a simple, bone-handled tool with a steel wheel. Samuel Monce received a patent for his invention in 1869.
Four years later, Monce's nephew joined the firm: one Fred S. Fletcher. An engineer by background, Fletcher soon got the idea that a glass cutter with interchangeable wheels would represent a considerable cost savings to customers.
While this idea also earned its inventor a patent, Uncle Samuel was not especially intrigued. And so the world had some to time to wait for the fledgling Bristol Diamond.
Behind the scenes, however, Fred Fletcher knew there was nothing standing between him and marketing success except a little start-up capital. So, in classic entrepreneurial fashion, he teamed up with his brothers (Tom and Gayle) and his father-in-law (Franklin Terry) to raise the then imposing sum of $300.
In 1903, the four sealed the deal by forming a partnership, and manufacturing was finally underway in a barn on the Terry property in Bristol.
The Bristol Diamond was an instant marketing success - practical and original ideas frequently are. Eight years later, in 1911, Fred purchased his brothers' financial interest and incorporated the business under the name we still proudly display: The Fletcher-Terry Company.
A lot has changed since 1911 - let alone from 1868. Too much, in fact, to describe in any detail. So here follows a brief history of historical company highlights:
- 1926 - Mr. Terry passes away;
- 1919 & 1927 respectively - Fred Fletcher's sons, Arthur and Franklin, join the firm;
- Late 1920's - Arthur Fletcher patents the "Quick Tip" refill, and invention that combines the cutting wheel and axle into single unit, thereby permitting worn wheels to be replaced without lost productivity in glass factories;
- Mid 1950's - Terry Fletcher, a fourth generation family member, joins the firm;
- 1963 - Fletcher-Terry leases a second location used to grind and polish rough castings;
- 1969 - The company purchases a one-story building in Farmington, CT to support its main manufacturing site in Bristol;
- 1974 - Fletcher-Terry presented with the E Award for Exporting Excellence from the Department of Commerce
- 1981 - Company receives the prestigious E Star Award for Excellence;
- Late 1980's - Fletcher-Terry expands into the picture framing market, beginning with the No. 5 Point Driver and Picture Framing Points;
- Soon thereafter - The newly-formed Framing division enhances its product line with the Fletcher 2000 Mat Cutter, FrameMaster Point Driver, the Fletcher-1000 Circle/Oval Cutter, and other quality products;
- 1989 - The Company nearly doubles its Farmington manufacturing and office space;
- 1992 - Fletcher-Terry earns the coveted Ford Q-101 Quality Supplier Award from Ford Motor Company;
- 1993 - The Company earns the Ford Q1 Award;
- 1998 - The F-6100 Computerized Mat Cutting System at the Art Buyers Caravan Show in Atlanta, Georgia.
If you know us at all, you know there's a lot we've omitted for the sake of brevity.
But by now, this much should be clear. At 135 years old, Fletcher-Terry is still young at heart. We are a dynamic, ever-evolving organization that does not exist for its own sake, but rather to meet the very specific needs of others.
That's what keeps us on our toes. And that's where we intend to stay, poised for other noteworthy accomplishments in the months and years ahead.
Here's hoping you'll join us for the ride.
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