Mr. A. Boyd Carter

"We manufacture wood and wirebound boxes," said A. Boyd Carter, president of Great American Wirebound Box Co.Boyd has been with the company since 1977, starting out as its comptroller after earning an accounting degree.He has been president since 1987.
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In addition to Boyd, Jack Honea, general sales manager at the firm, talked with Pallet Enterprise about the company.
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"We buy rough sawn 4/4, 5/4, 6/4 and 8/4 in random widths and random lengths," said Boyd."We take and surface it ourselves, then mill it to size."

The company buys mixed hardwoods although about 70% of the lumber is gum.Other species include sycamore, poplar, oak, and pecan.Great American prefers gum for several reasons.It has a "good density," which makes it "easier to drive staples into," said Boyd."Gum also prints very well," he said.
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"We try to manufacture 100 percent from dry lumber," said Boyd, because it "simply makes a better box."Great American buys kiln-dried lumber when possible.Green lumber is air-dried on sticks; 4/4 gum takes about 90 days to air-dry, said Boyd.
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The wirebound container industry has confronted the same trials during the last three years as industry as a whole, noted Boyd.First there was a drop off in movement of materials and orders in late 2001 after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on the U.S.More recently, the competition among businesses everywhere for raw materials has driven up costs of lumber, veneer, plywood and wire.Customers have been very understanding, he explained, because they have experienced the same economic environment.

"It's very challenging," said Boyd, but that does not make the enterprise discouraging in the least."I thoroughly enjoy it," he said.

In 2001 Boyd lost his right leg because of a bone infection following a fracture."Being an above-the-knee amputee has somewhat limited my mobility," he said, "yet has not dampened my spirit."Boyd uses a prosthesis, which enables him to be active in the manufacturing operation at Great American in addition to administrative duties.

In his free time, Boyd enjoys spending time outdoors, hunting and fishing, and traveling with his wife, Cindy.He has a woodworking shop and he has made wall ornaments, entertainment centers, picnic tables and toy boxes.

"I have a long-standing tradition of hand crafting something every Christmas for family members," said Boyd.

Mr. Boyd Carter, President, (601)684-7311