Founding and Expansion of Sussex Machine Works: A Commitment to Quality and Growth
Sussex Machine Works, founded in February 1972 by Richard C. Carmine Sr. and Phyllis C. Carmine, began as a small machine shop and metal fabrication service provider focused on delivering quality workmanship and excellent customer service. The founders aimed to establish a reliable and skilled company that catered to local needs, building a reputation for precision and excellence over time. In April 1979, the company expanded by constructing a second building dedicated to machine shop operations, which included a new office. This expansion significantly enhanced their production capabilities and efficiency, supporting the company's growth and commitment to quality.
1972 - 1979Sussex Machine Works' Growth and the Founding of Sussex Irrigation
In December 1980, Sussex Machine Works achieved a major milestone by being awarded a Lockwood Irrigation Pivot dealership, allowing them to expand their services to include advanced irrigation systems. This partnership broadened their capabilities and strengthened their dedication to offering innovative and reliable products to the agricultural community. By February 1981, the company received its first load of Lockwood pivots, which were sold to local farms, establishing immediate demand. The installation, led by a dedicated team, set a high standard for quality and reliability in their new irrigation offerings.
In the following year, Sussex Machine Works further diversified its portfolio by selling its first Hobbs hard hose reel irrigation system in April 1981, and its first Deutz power unit in December 1981, both of which reinforced their reputation for delivering high-quality agricultural solutions. To better serve the growing irrigation needs of their customers, Sussex Machine Works founded Sussex Irrigation in January 1982, partnering with Bill Gordy and Richard Eskridge. In February 1985, the company expanded again with the construction of a third building dedicated to offices and parts, which improved customer service and streamlined operations by providing walk-in customers easy access to essential components. This continuous growth highlighted was a result of Sussex Machine Works’ dedication to meeting the evolving needs of the local agricultural sector.
1980 - 1982Further diversification of product offerings
In March 1986, Sussex Irrigation reached key milestones by selling its first Ever Rain Hard Hose Reel Irrigation system and its first Karcher Pressure Washer. These sales reflected the company’s growing product range and reinforced its perseverance in providing high-quality agricultural solutions to meet diverse customer needs. The successful introduction of these products further established Sussex Irrigation as a leading provider of innovative and reliable equipment in the agricultural sector.
In early 1987, Sussex Machine Works continued to expand its offerings, selling its first Spreadmaster manure spreader to in January, and its first Bauer hard hose reel irrigation system in February. These sales marked significant growth in the company's product lines, with the Spreadmaster enhancing farm productivity and the Bauer reel system offering durable and efficient irrigation solutions. These milestones demonstrated Sussex Machine Works’ faithfulness delivering advanced, reliable equipment to meet the evolving demands of their clients.
1986 - 1987The Growth Continues
In August 1988, Sussex Machine Works expanded its operations by building a new 5,000 sq. ft. fabrication shop, equipped with advanced tools like a 3-ton overhead crane, press brakes, shears, and welders. This development enhanced the company's fabrication and repair capabilities, allowing them to offer more efficient and comprehensive services. Shortly after, in October 1988, Sussex Irrigation sold its first Lima generator, a reliable and efficient power solution for agricultural and industrial use. These milestones reinforced Sussex's commitment to delivering high-quality services and equipment, further solidifying their reputation in the market.
1988Expanding Product Line and Strengthening Market Presence
In 1989, Sussex Irrigation expanded its product offerings by making several key sales. In January, they sold their first Goulds pump, introducing a reliable solution for irrigation and water management needs. Shortly after, in March, Chesapeake Nurseries purchased the first Berkeley pump, a brand quickly recognized for its performance and reliability. Both sales demonstrated Sussex Irrigation's commitment to providing high-quality, dependable equipment, reinforcing trust in their expertise and establishing strong partnerships with these pump brands.
Further milestones followed with the sale of the first ABI reel irrigation system in May, the first Mid-South turbine pump to in October, and the first John Deere power unit to Jade Run Turf Farm in November. These transactions highlighted Sussex Irrigation's growing product range, tailored to meet diverse agricultural needs, and solidified their reputation as a leading provider of innovative, dependable irrigation and power solutions in the agricultural sector.
1989Sussex Irrigation's Partnership with Zimmatic and Expansion into Power Solution
In February 1991, Sussex Irrigation was awarded a prestigious Zimmatic irrigation pivot dealership, enhancing their product portfolio with Zimmatic's advanced irrigation systems. By June of the same year, they sold their first Zimmatic pivot in Virginia, marking the start of a successful partnership that showcased the quality and reliability of Zimmatic products. Also in June, Sussex Irrigation expanded their power solutions by selling their first Isuzu 6BD1 power unit, further demonstrating their commitment to offering diverse and dependable equipment for agricultural needs. These milestones reinforced Sussex Irrigation's reputation as a leading provider of innovative irrigation and power solutions.
1991The Evolution of Sussex Irrigation into SMW Sales LLC
In March 1998, Richard and Phyllis sold Sussex Irrigation to David Brown to regain a better work-life balance, agreeing not to compete in irrigation for five years. By 2003, after hearing from former customers dissatisfied with service quality, they re-entered the irrigation market through Sussex Machine Works, though without an irrigation pivot brand at the time. In February 2007, Sussex Machine Works was transformed into SMW Sales LLC, a new company offering comprehensive machine work, irrigation equipment sales, service, and installation, allowing the founders to streamline operations and continue their legacy of excellence.
1998 - 2007SMW Sales LLC's Partnership with Pierce
In August 2016, SMW Sales LLC became a Pierce irrigation dealership, adding a range of high-quality irrigation solutions to their product offerings. By October, they delivered their first Pierce pivot to Cliff Parker, showcasing their dedication to providing top-tier irrigation systems. Despite initial challenges in working with Pierce in the U.S., SMW Sales forged a strategic partnership with Pierce's parent company, Alkhorayef, in Saudi Arabia. This collaboration led to the creation of a nationwide network of Pierce dealers, resulting in the sale of over 500 Pierce irrigation pivots and strengthening SMW Sales' position in the market.
201650-Years in Business
In February 2022, SMW Sales LLC marked a significant milestone by celebrating 50 years at their original location with the same dedicated owners. This anniversary highlighted the company's long-standing commitment to quality service, customer satisfaction, and continuous innovation. Over the five decades, SMW Sales LLC has remained a pillar in the community, consistently delivering exceptional machine work and irrigation solutions while maintaining the values and vision set forth by its founders.
2022A New Generation
On January 6, 2024, Richard Carmine Jr. assumed leadership of SMW Sales LLC, taking over the business from his parents, Richard and Phyllis Carmine. This transition marked the beginning of a new era in irrigation sales and service, as Richard Carmine Jr. brought fresh perspectives and renewed energy to the company's operations. Under his leadership, SMW Sales LLC aims to continue its legacy of excellence while exploring new opportunities for growth and innovation in the agricultural sector.
2024
