Lovejoy, Inc.

Lovejoy manufactures power transmission products and components such as shaft collars, variable speed drives & pulleys, v-belt sheaves, various types of couplings, chain & stud tensioners, universal industrial & machinery joints, and motor bases. Lovejoy products serve a broad range of industries including power generation, construction, steel, food processing, pulp and paper, and mining.

History

Lovejoy was founded in 1900 by Thomas Lovejoy as Lovejoy Tool Works, a company that manufactured tools and machinery used in the steel and railroad industries. In 1912, the company was purchased by W.H. Dangel. In 1927, the company purchased Louis Ricefield's patent for the Jaw coupling. Due to the depression, the company sold off its portion of the business that served the railroad industry, deciding to focus on jaw couplings instead. Three years later, the company relocated to Lake Street from Ohio Street in Chicago, Illinois. In 1946, Lovejoy started producing universal joints. The company purchases the variable speed pulley line which expanded its product range. In 1960, Lovejoy opened a plant in South Haven, Michigan and moved its VSP operations there. It was during the 1960s that the company further expanded its product line to include the Uniflex and SAGA lines of couplings. In 1970, the company moves its headquarters to Downers Grove, Illinois where it still remains today. A year later, Lovejoy started producing torsional couplings. In 1978, the company enters the rubber suspension market. This move eventually led the company to produce the RunRight brand. In 1985, Lovejoy adds another product to its catalog: S-Flex couplings. The company also purchases the patent for the Deltaflex coupling in the same year. In 1993, Lovejoy introduces two new products to its line: Sier-Bath® couplings and motion control couplings. Two years later, the company develops the European standard Curved Jaw couplings. In 1996, the all-metal, flexible grid coupling is introduced. Two years later, the company once again expands its product line to include jaw in-shear couplings. In 1999, Lovejoy receives ISO 9001 certification. On the year of its 100th anniversary, the company develops a line of disc couplings. A year later, the company expands its international reach by establishing Lovejoy Europe. In 2003, the company agrees to a joint venture, Raja-Lovejoy, which allows it to enter into the hydraulic component market. Within the same year, the company's next generation version of jaw in-shear coupling is introduced to the market. In 2009, Lovejoy establishes Lovejoy Hydraulics, an affiliate that offers a broad range of pump-motor mounts, hydraulic reservoirs, and oil/water coolers.

Headquarters & Locations

Lovejoy, Inc. has its global headquarters located in Downers Grove, Illinois along with Lovejoy Powder Metal Group and Lovejoy Hydraulics. The company's manufacturing facility is located in South Haven, Michigan. Lovejoy Canada is located in Mississauga, Ontario while R+L Hydraulics (formerly Raja-Lovejoy) is located in Werdhol, Germany.

Photos Courtesy of Lovejoy, Inc.