W. A. “Lex” Taylor III, president of Taylor Machine Works, of Louisville, Miss., leads dedication activities for the company’s Engineering and Operations Center building.
Taylor Machine Works Celebrates 80 Years
Louisville, Miss.– Taylor Machine Works recently celebrated its 80th anniversary acknowledging its continuing ties to the red hills of east central Mississippi.
In addition to the anniversary celebration, the day looked to the future with the dedication of the company’s new Engineering and Operations Center Building. This latest addition to the Taylor facilities provides 13,200 square feet of additional office space on two floors. The building provides a contemporary environment for the company’s engineering and production operations departments.
Taylor Machine Works was established in Louisville in 1927 by W.A. Taylor, Sr. From the initial machine shop, Taylor developed and introduced the Logger’s Dream, a log skidder to facilitate timber harvest by small crews. Its innovative solution to the demands of the forest products industry and its rugged, dependable operation established the reputation of Taylor Machine Works for development and manufacture of quality materials handling equipment. This reputation quickly spread throughout the United States and into the international market.
Representing fourth generation members of the Taylor family, seven great-grandchildren collectively served as ribbon cutters during the recent dedication activities. Participants included: (l. to r.) Davis Taylor, Cameron Paschal, Zach Taylor, Bailey Taylor, Matthew Ktsanes, Alex Taylor, and Grayson Taylor. Standing behind the ribbon cutters are (l.) Mike Boyles, director of engineering, and (r.) Lex Taylor, president, of Taylor Machine Works, Inc.
Many expansions in facilities and technological capabilities have resulted in the growth of Taylor Machine Works from that small machine shop to manufacturing and administrative facilities incorporating more than 110 acres in Louisville with more than 450,000 square feet of manufacturing and administrative space under roof. At various periods during the last 80 years Taylor has developed facilities throughout Mississippi, but its core facilities and administrative activities have always been based in Louisville.
Throughout its history, Taylor Machine Works has been owned and operated by the Taylor family. W.A. “Bill” Taylor Jr. succeeded his father W.A. “Alec” Taylor Sr., as president in 1968 and continues to serve as chairman of the board of directors. W. A. “Lex” Taylor, III assumed the presidency in 1987. Lex is the third generation of the Taylor family to lead the company. His brother, Robert D. Taylor Sr., vice-president of operations, and sister, Teresa Taylor Ktsanes, are also actively involved in management and administration of the company.
As management of the company has passed to the second and third generations of the Taylor family, the employees who constitute the core of today’s “Big Red Team” include second, third, and even fourth generations of the same families who have played important roles in the growth and success of Taylor Machine Works. This “Big Red Team” includes the multitude of disciplines and aptitudes needed to maintain a successful business operation. Included are skilled professionals
Collective ribbon cutting is performed by seven great-grandchildren of W. A. Taylor, Sr. who founded Taylor Machine Works in 1927 in Louisville, Miss.
and craftsmen in management, design and engineering, manufacturing, marketing, and many support activities.
From the Logger’s Dream, the Taylor product line has expanded to include more than 100 machine models designed to meet the needs of material handling professionals in the forest products, steel, concrete, intermodal, transportation, marina and aluminum industries. More than 50 dealers in the United States and Canada, direct sales representatives in the southeastern United States, and an international marketing organization market the Taylor “Big Red” machines over the entire globe.
One of the most visible aspects during Taylor’s 80th year is introduction of a new line of Taylor “Big Red” machines–the TX Series. These 24-inch and 48-inch load center forklifts combine many improvements in engines, transmissions, drive axles, cooling systems, electrical systems and hydraulic systems to provide customers with rugged equipment designed for quality performance, easy serviceability, and operational efficiency. Each machine includes the Taylor Integrated Control System (TICS) that utilizes J1939 CAN bus technology to enable customers to review machine operations, enhance maintenance and service capabilities and monitor machine performance. The TX series incorporates advancements in ergonomic engineering and many safety features to encourage increased operator productivity and safety. The Taylor TX Series manifests a tradition of excellence built on experience.
Dedication of the new Engineering and Operations Center building at Taylor Machine Works was attended by a large number of employees, elected officials and business leaders.
The complete line of Taylor’s “Big Red” fork lift trucks is a long one and includes pneumatic tire models with lift capacities from 16,000 to 120,000 pounds and solid tire models with lifting capacities from 18,000 to 75,000 pounds. These can be equipped with conventional forks or a number of innovative attachments that TAYLORIZE the trucks to meet many unique materials handling tasks.
“We are very honored and proud of the role Taylor Machine Works has been able to play in the growth and development of Mississippi in general and Louisville specifically during the last 80 years,” Lex Taylor said. “During these years Mississippi has grown from its agricultural roots to become a significant player in industrial and business communities around the world, and Taylor Machine Works has grown and prospered as a key component in this transformation. As the technology demanded for industry and commerce has dramatically expanded, Taylor’s engineering and manufacturing craftsmen have been on the leading edge of efforts to solve the challenges expansion has brought. Taylor Machine Works today utilize
The Taylor Machine Works Engineering and Operations Center building
s state-of-the-art production equipment and technologies, the latest in computer assistance engineering resources, and highly trained marketing professionals to assist each customer meet the performance challenges of his business with eff iciency, productivity, dependability, and safety.”
From the foundation of Taylor Machine Works has emerged The Taylor Group of companies, which includes the original Taylor Machine Works, Inc. Sudden Service, Inc., TEMTCO Steel, and Taylor Power Systems.
Today–and tomorrow–the world’s business leaders can depend on “Big Red” and on the entire “Big Red Team” to unite FAITH-VISION-WORK in providing dependable equipment to meet the challenges faced in handling the varied materials which keep our vibrant economy on the move.
Photos Courtesy Taylor Machine Works
Employees and guests stand in line for the 80th Anniversary luncheon held at the main Taylor plant.
Many Taylor vendors provide food and other refreshments for the employees and guests who attended the 80th Anniversary celebration.
Many Taylor vendors provide food and other refreshments for the employees and guests who attended the 80th Anniversary celebration.
