MTD’s History in Weakley County, Martin, TN – Seen in the photo below is MTD’s first Open House to the public on April, 24th 1985
MTD – “For A Growing World”
According to MTD – In the mid eighties, to meet growing demand, MTD opened the Martin, Tennessee Plant to manufacture riding mowers and automotive parts. MTD also acquired Aircap Industries in Tupelo, Mississippi to manufacture gas and electric walk behind mowers, edgers and tillers. To round out the business, Arnold Corporation was acquired, providing entrance into the lawn mower and small engine replacement parts business.
1990’s – Continuing with the goal of becoming a global supplier, MTD purchased Gutbrod AG in Saarbrucken, Germany, to better serve the European marketplace. This facility became the corporate headquarters of MTD Europe with the production of riders and walk behind mowers in Germany and expanded capacity to build electric mowers in Nemesvamos,Hungary.
Throughout the 90’s, MTD Products continued to serve both the automotive and consumer outdoor power equipment industries. With the rapid growth of the outdoor power equipment business during this decade and a commitment to service the consumer, MTD Products made a strategic decision to focus solely on the outdoor power equipment industry.
2000’s – While expansion through acquisition was occurring, MTD engineers were hard at work designing the first zero turn tractor with a steering wheel. This innovative Synchro Steer® technology provides 4-wheel steering and stability on hills while allowing ease of operation with a steering wheel.
At the close of the decade, Robert T. Moll was appointed Chief Executive Officer and Jean Hlay was appointed President and Chief Operating Officer of MTD Products Inc.
2010 -In 2012, due to a focus on quality and the consumer, strategic acquisitions and consumer valued innovation, MTD proudly celebrated 80 years in business with a leadership position in outdoor power equipment.
MTD Website Statement – “We continue to look to the future and are committed to providing consumers with the best consumer experience. Our employees take pride in their work. Their combined talents, experience and passion will continue to make us successful and provide steady employment and opportunities in an ever changing global environment and in the communities in which we serve”.
MTD is the largest employer in Weakley County to date, employing hundreds of full time and part time employees – Have you or family members worked at MTD in Martin, TN?
By- Robert Reynolds – Dresden, TN
Weakley Co. History 