About Us


JLH : A Brief History

Founded in 1841 as a supplier of fittings for the horse-and-carriage trade, James L. Howard & Company was incorporated in 1876. Very early in its history, the company began the design and manufacture of hardware products for the burgeoning railroad industry. These ties to the rail transportation industry remain strong and James L. Howard & Company enjoys an unrivaled reputation for innovation and quality within the industry.

One of the original Lanterns designed and manufactured early in JLH history.


Design, Engineering, and Manufacturing Capabilities

In 1980, the company moved from downtown Hartford, CT to a large, newly-built facility in nearby Bloomfield, CT, where all design, engineering, manufacturing, and administrative functions are located. Here, products are designed or modified to meet each customer’s specific requirements.

Modern manufacturing equipment, including CNC Machining and Turning Centers, is used to produce products in any of the following materials: aluminum, bronze, white bronze, brass, ductile iron, steel, stainless steel, and aluminum alloys.

All machining, assembly, and inspections are performed in-house in order to maintain the JLH reputation for unparalleled quality, performance, and appearance.