THE CLARKSON STORY

            Brothers Everett and Howard Clarkson started the company with about $1000 cash in 1947. The brothers worked as machinery erectors and maintained machinery in textile plants after high school. With this experience under their belt, they had the idea to move heavy machinery intact rather than to dismantle it. So they left Fall River, Massachusetts and launched a new enterprise on the corner of Howard’s property in Cowpens, South Carolina.

             They started out in a 20 by 15 foot area with a desk, a telephone, some rigging equipment, and a second hand tractor trailer. Before long they were growing and taking over the chicken house that also sat on the property. The trailer they had purchased was also small for what they wanted to do so they inventively took a hack saw & cut across the middle of the 18’ trailer. Once in two pieces they added an extension to reach 34 feet! One truck, then two, then another and eventually another.  

            A large ‘mess up’ by a competitor gave the Clarkson brothers the opportunity to prove their magnificent work. Once people starting hearing about their great accomplishments, their business grew and grew.  Howard & Everett’s business, ‘Clarkson Brothers’, became one of the top machinery movers in the country. Later Howard retired and Everett bought his brother’s half of the company. Three of Everett’s children came on board to help run the operation. Unexpectedly Everett died leaving the three siblings to carry on the business. 

            At this time there were approximately 200 employees. The family had to work together. E. Clifford Clarkson Jr., who had been working at the business since he was 16 years old, became president of sales and safety. His sister Sheelah Clarkson developed a position as director of properties and warehousing and eventually executive vice president. Howard E. Clarkson also did sales and became vice president of operations. 

            David Rinz purchased ‘Clarkson Brothers’ in 1988. Now named ‘Clarkson Industrial’, we have continued a tradition of “one smooth move after another.” Clarkson is an international leader in the installation of industrial machinery and single source relocation. Dave has ensured efficiency, precision, integrity, and experience to customers for 19 years now. With continued growth and development, four divisions have been established to provide ‘turn key’ operations to any potential customer.   

            From local jobs here in Spartanburg to working as far away as China, Clarkson today continues those same relationships which have been built on a solid foundation. Clarkson continues to foster new customers’ relationships and grow to where we are today.