Smithco founder dies at age 98
Smithco Founder Ted Smith has died at age 98, the company reports.
In 1967, he launched Smithco with one product, the “Red Rider” Utility Truck. More than 45 years later, Red Riders continue to be used on golf courses and athletic fields.
That successful invention was followed by one of the first riding bunker rakes in the industry, a labor-saving idea that replaced hand raking.
Smithco has grown considerably larger and more diversified over the years, becoming a multi-million dollar manufacturing, engineering and marketing organization with worldwide distribution. The company now has plants in Wisconsin and in Kansas that manufacture sprayers, sweepers and greens rollers; its administrative offices are in Wayne, Pa.
Smithco continues to operate as a family business with the values that were important then, and are still just as important now, the company says. Ted Smith is succeeded by his son Don, who is president of the company, and Vice President and Partner Bill Kenney, plus 65 sales, engineering and administrative staff who have all helped make Smithco the company it is today.
Survivors include his wife, three children, 10 grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.