Our History
Serving Equipment Needs Since 1928
Caterpillar has been present in Virginia since 1928 through the Virginia Tractor Company. The ever increasing activity in western Virginia demanded a greater focus thanks to infrastructure developments and coal mining. As a result, Carter Machinery was formed to serve customers in southwestern Virginia. The 1950’s were a pivotal point in our country’s history, highlighted by a sharp rise in the economy for the first time in more than 30 years.
![](https://www.cartermachinery.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/History-Hero-700-x-400.jpg)
Our Major Milestones
Alban Tractor established as the Caterpillar dealership serving Maryland, Delaware, District of Columbia and select counties in Northeastern West Virginia.
![Alban Tractor established as the Caterpillar dealership serving Maryland, Delaware, District of Columbia and select counties in Northeastern West Virginia. Icon](https://www.cartermachinery.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/1927.png)
![Alban Tractor established as the Caterpillar dealership serving Maryland, Delaware, District of Columbia and select counties in Northeastern West Virginia. Thumbnail](https://www.cartermachinery.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Alban-Tractor-vintage-460-x-185.jpg)
Robert Hill Carter, General Manager at Richmond Drop Forgings, witnessed the power and efficiency of two, five-ton tractors moving equipment at the company’s plant. He recognized the opportunity, and in 1928, Caterpillar’s first dealer in Virginia was established – Virginia Tractor Company.
![Robert Hill Carter, General Manager at Richmond Drop Forgings, witnessed the power and efficiency of two, five-ton tractors moving equipment at the company's plant. He recognized the opportunity, and in 1928, Caterpillar's first dealer in Virginia was established - Virginia Tractor Company. Icon](https://www.cartermachinery.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/1928.png)
![Robert Hill Carter, General Manager at Richmond Drop Forgings, witnessed the power and efficiency of two, five-ton tractors moving equipment at the company's plant. He recognized the opportunity, and in 1928, Caterpillar's first dealer in Virginia was established - Virginia Tractor Company. Thumbnail](https://www.cartermachinery.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/1924.jpg)
Dealership expands into western Virginia with a location established in Roanoke.
![Dealership expands into western Virginia with a location established in Roanoke. Icon](https://www.cartermachinery.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/1934.png)
![Dealership expands into western Virginia with a location established in Roanoke. Thumbnail](https://www.cartermachinery.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Roanoke-460-x-185.jpg)
Carter Machinery officially founded as a corporation independent of Virginia Tractor.
![Carter Machinery officially founded as a corporation independent of Virginia Tractor. Icon](https://www.cartermachinery.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/1952.png)
![Carter Machinery officially founded as a corporation independent of Virginia Tractor. Thumbnail](https://www.cartermachinery.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Vintage-Carter-Logo-460-x-185.jpg)
Carter Machinery relocates its corporate headquarters to the current location in Salem, VA.
![Carter Machinery relocates its corporate headquarters to the current location in Salem, VA. Icon](https://www.cartermachinery.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/1962.png)
![Carter Machinery relocates its corporate headquarters to the current location in Salem, VA. Thumbnail](https://www.cartermachinery.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/1962.jpg)
Reconditioning Center, created to rebuild major components and machines, opened on campus of Salem headquarters.
![Reconditioning Center, created to rebuild major components and machines, opened on campus of Salem headquarters. Icon](https://www.cartermachinery.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/1975.png)
![Reconditioning Center, created to rebuild major components and machines, opened on campus of Salem headquarters. Thumbnail](https://www.cartermachinery.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Recon-460-x-185.jpg)
Eastern Virginia territory, served by Virginia Tractor Company, acquired and combined under Carter Machinery.
![Eastern Virginia territory, served by Virginia Tractor Company, acquired and combined under Carter Machinery. Icon](https://www.cartermachinery.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/1982.png)
![Eastern Virginia territory, served by Virginia Tractor Company, acquired and combined under Carter Machinery. Thumbnail](https://www.cartermachinery.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/1982.jpg)
Carter Machinery becomes wholly owned subsidiary of Caterpillar, Inc.
![Carter Machinery becomes wholly owned subsidiary of Caterpillar, Inc. Icon](https://www.cartermachinery.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/1988.png)
![Carter Machinery becomes wholly owned subsidiary of Caterpillar, Inc. Thumbnail](https://www.cartermachinery.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Caterpillar-Logo-460-x-185.jpg)
Change of ownership from Caterpillar, Inc. as a result of a management-led buyout. Jim Parker, a former Caterpillar Vice President, assumes the role of Chief Executive Officer.
![Change of ownership from Caterpillar, Inc. as a result of a management-led buyout. Jim Parker, a former Caterpillar Vice President, assumes the role of Chief Executive Officer. Icon](https://www.cartermachinery.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/2011.png)
![Change of ownership from Caterpillar, Inc. as a result of a management-led buyout. Jim Parker, a former Caterpillar Vice President, assumes the role of Chief Executive Officer. Thumbnail](https://www.cartermachinery.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Jim-Parker-460-x-185.jpg)
Drew Parker, eldest son of Jim Parker, assumes the role of Chief Executive Officer.
![Drew Parker, eldest son of Jim Parker, assumes the role of Chief Executive Officer. Icon](https://www.cartermachinery.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/2018.png)
![Drew Parker, eldest son of Jim Parker, assumes the role of Chief Executive Officer. Thumbnail](https://www.cartermachinery.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Drew-Parker-460-x-185.jpg)
Carter Machinery acquires Alban Cat and assumes coverage of the territory including locations in Maryland, Delaware, and the District of Columbia.
![Carter Machinery acquires Alban Cat and assumes coverage of the territory including locations in Maryland, Delaware, and the District of Columbia. Icon](https://www.cartermachinery.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/2020.png)
![Carter Machinery acquires Alban Cat and assumes coverage of the territory including locations in Maryland, Delaware, and the District of Columbia. Thumbnail](https://www.cartermachinery.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Territory-Map-460-x-185.jpg)