Although we’ve been around for more than 50 years, we think our history is just the beginning. At Carnahan-White, Inc., we continually strive to improve, build, expand, and keep up-to-date with contemporary demands and the needs of our community. Fifty plus years is a good foundation for the company, but for Carnahan-White, it is really just the beginning.

Carnahan Fence company was founded in 1952 by Garnett Carnahan. W.E. and June White purchased Carnahan Fence Co. in 1958 from Carnahan and changed the name to Carnahan-White Fence Co. Since 1958, the White family has been the sole owners and operate the business still today.

In 1964, Steve M. White joined in partnership with his father, W.E. White. At the same time, they built and opened Carnahan Fence and Iron in Columbia, Missouri.

W.E. realized the need for quality, environmentally safe wood for privacy fencing. In 1968, W.E. and Steve established Ozark Timber Treating Co., located in St. Joe, Arkansas, to manufacture Copperwood for Carnahan-White fences. Today, Copperwood is distributed nationwide to select dealers.

After the death of W.E. in 1986, Steve White solely managed both Carnahan-White and Ozark Timber Treating Co. In 1987, Steve elected to incorporate the Carnahan-White Fence Co. and its name changed to Carnahan-White, Inc. In 1995, Steve’s son-in-law, Stacey Hammit, moved to Springfield to assume the role of General Manager for Carnahan-White, Inc.

Several steps were taken to remain on top of the fencing market and move it into the future. In 1995, a commercial sales manager was hired to oversee the commercial and industrial contracts. Carnahan-White, Inc. Transformed their simple gate and fencing iron shop into an award-winning gate and ornamental iron facility that has produced original creations and met a growing market niche. The new iron operation, called Ironworks by Carnahan-White, moved to a modern facility that was eight times larger than the previous location. Additionally, in 1998, Carnahan-White purchased D & J Automatic Gates. With this acquisition, Carnahan-White is now able to offer its customers a total gate and fencing product and service.

In December of 2001, Stacey and Carrie (Steve White’s daughter) purchased Carnahan-White, Inc., from Steve White. Even today, the business is still a White family business.

From 1952 to the present, Carnahan-White has been a strong company of growth and achievement within the industry. Carnahan-White contributes its longevity and success to the employees who have been with the company for many years. Carnahan-White has employees who have worked thirty-six years with the company and among the ten crew chiefs, the average number of years of employment is sixteen.

Even though Carnahan-White, Inc. has had and passed its 50th birthday, its long and dynamic history is just the beginning. The 2004 completion of a new facility, located at James River & M Highways in Springfield, shows how Carnahan-White continually strives to improve, build, expand, and keep up-to-date with contemporary demands and the needs of its community, its employees and its customers.