The Carter Experience

Est. 1932

HISTORY

Carter Motor Company was founded in Chicago in 1932 by pioneer radio and television inventor Alva J. Carter. Among Carter Motor’s early products were the first Dynamotor power supply units for mobile radio use in military, police and emergency applications.

In 1986 Carter Motor was purchased by the Schnoes family and the business moved to a new, 33,000 square foot facility located on five acres in Warren, Illinois on the scenic Stagecoach Trail.

In 2006, a new chapter began in Carter’s history. The 74-year old company was acquired by Keith Geisler who had been with Carter Motor Company for 10 years. His vast experience in the electric motor industry helped guide Carter Motor Company into a period of growth with a focus on expanding product and service offerings, improving on the already outstanding build quality, and focusing on a customer-first approach. These initiatives reinforced Carter Motor Company’s reputation in the motor industry and gained the attention of Orchid International in Monroe, WI.

While working together on a motor application in late 2019, the Orchid and Carter teams built a relationship that turned into an acquisition. In 2020, Orchid purchased Carter Motor Company. The fusion of the two companies allows Carter to manufacture motors and subassemblies with in-house raw materials, innovate and design new applications with the increased and enhanced engineering team, and ensure customers have a motor-buying experience that is second to none. 

In the summer of 2022 Orchid International was purchased by UPG Enterprises.  In early 2023, Orchid International officially changed their name to UPG Electrical.  

Carter is UPG Electrical’s flagship product line for electric motors where their focus remains on quality, on-time delivery, and the excellent customer service.  UPG Electrical is dedicated to working closely with customers to create Carter branded motor solutions to meet their needs today as well as tomorrow.  

MADE IN THE USA

All of our products are designed and assembled in the United States by our hard-working employees. From our engineers to our shipping clerks, each of our staff takes pride in every part of of the process. Customer satisfaction is our #1 priority and we work hard to ensure the superior quality that you demand.

ISO CERTIFIED

Upon purchasing in 2006, Keith made it an organizational goal to obtain ISO certification for a quality management system. On September 25th, 2008 that goal was realized when Carter attained ISO 9001:2008 certification.

On September 14th, 2018, Carter Motor Company was issued ISO 9001:2015 certification. View Carter Motor Company’s ISO 9001:2015 certification HERE.