IN MEMORIAM
Andrew Pitts
Pitts Enterprises Inc. Founder
In tribute to Andrew Pitts, Jr. (right), who passed away on July 16, 2021, we thought it appropriate to remember a few of his innovations and achievements as the pioneering founder of Pitts Enterprises.
1976 Pitts was in the trucking business when a client asked him to build a logging trailer in his 1500 square foot shop.
1979 Expanded to 4,000 square foot plant to handle increasing orders for trailers
1982 Formed Pitts Enterprises, Inc., producing 300 trailers per year. First administrative offices in his great uncle’s house, Pittsview’s first residence ca. 1891
1986 First manufacturer to build a dropped center in its logging trailers, to simplify and speed up unloading at the mills and to protect the trailer from damage by heavy grapples and cranes
1989 Employed 32 people in 65,000 square feet of manufacturing space at two locations in Pittsview. Sold trailers through 50 dealers in 23 states from Maine to Arizona.
Weight of trailers had been reduced by 2,000 pounds with stronger, lighter metals for greater towing capacity.
1991 Business expanded to employ 60 people. Sales network grown to over 140 dealers in 24 states.
1993 Received a Certificate of Appreciation from the Governor Jim Folsom “for outstanding contributions to the economic growth and development of the State of Alabama”. Now employing 95 people with a $1 million payroll.
1994 Innovative Loadpayin’ Series introduced with a fully fabricated frame made of high yield materials through a continuous submerged arc welding process, allowing higher payloads
2002 Sold Pitts Enterprises to son Jeff Pitts, producing up to 1500 trailers per year in a 100,000 square foot plant with 110 employees and a $2 million payroll
Andrew Pitts retired having built and grown the largest forestry trailer producer in the U.S., and he lived to see it become the world’s largest and only complete line forestry manufacturing company.
The family extends its sincere thanks for your loyalty and contributions to the ongoing success of Pitts Enterprises. An official announcement can be downloaded here.
