About Us
Laclede Chain is the U.S. chain manufacturer and supplier that provides proactive resources and high quality solutions for safety-driven chain consumers
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Laclede Chain has been helping hardworking people in demanding industries live and work securely since 1854. We believe that the strongest steel and the boldest ideas are fortified by the human touch—and that’s why safety, innovation, and service are at the center of everything we do.
Our Approach
Safety, innovation, and service comprise the strength of our company at Laclede Chain. We believe that it’s not enough to simply meet the needs of our customers when it comes to chain. We proactively seek to understand our customers and their needs—so we can meet them where they are going with chain and motion control solutions that they can rely on to solve tough problems. While some may view chain as a commodity, we know that people’s lives and livelihoods depend on it. That’s why here at Laclede Chain, we form every link with passion, precision, and a commitment to quality.
Our Culture
Within our manufacturing environments and corporate offices, our team’s priorities are keeping each other safe, serving our customers, and fostering continuous improvement. We’re constantly experimenting, researching, and testing new configurations of chain and accessories to bring you the very best the market has to offer. We also thoroughly test every one of our products to ensure they meet and exceed safety standards.
Our Capabilities
We offer a range of chain making capabilities, including in-house riveting, custom engineering, and a multi-million-dollar powder coating division. We’ve also incorporated 3D printing technology into our design and prototyping process to increase speed and create cost efficiency.
Our Origins: Preparing for the Oregon Trail
Laclede Chain Manufacturing Company traces its roots back to 1854 as a blacksmith shop in St. Louis, Missouri. Our specialty was manufacturing wagon hardware for the wagon trains heading west.
By 1920, we were importing new form and welding machines from Europe, taking them apart to grasp the technology and building more of them in house. The enterprising spirit of our team members back then is still alive and has evolved in our continuous improvement culture.
After decades of steady growth, in 1984 the company was acquired by Laclede Steel Company of St. Louis and we became known as Laclede Chain Manufacturing Company. In 2001, the company kept its name, but separated from Laclede Steel and became privately held once again.
In 2010, company president and CEO Jim Riley and long-term general manager Steve Heuett purchased Laclede Chain from the private equity company that held majority stake in a management buyout, and we’ve been family-owned ever since. Jim’s son, Tim Riley, succeeded him as president and CEO in 2019 and now leads the organization.
While we have the resources of a large company, we remain a family business that values relationships. By truly understanding your needs, our chain experts and engineers think ahead to create the chain and motion control solutions that protect your people and foster growth for your business.
Why Choose Laclede Chain
Quality You Can Rely On
When it comes to motion control solutions, quality and safety go hand-in-hand. We are committed to delivering the highest quality products to ensure the safety of your teams and customers.
Proactive Support
Getting ahead requires a partner that anticipates your needs and stays abreast of industry trends. Our engineering and service experts work directly with your team so your products meet (or exceed) your requirements.
Equipped for Any Challenge
From custom engineering, to specialized manufacturing capabilities, and extensive testing practices, Laclede Chain can help you solve the toughest problems when it comes to chain and fittings.
Innovation At Work
From process optimization to product improvement, our teams are dedicated to elevating the meaning of excellence at every step along the way.
Helping America Live and Work Securely
At Laclede Chain, we forge strong chain and even stronger partnerships with our customers. By living out our core values every day, we’re able to deliver industry-leading solutions that keep people living and working securely.
Be Genuine
We lead with unwavering honesty and transparency to set a strong foundation for reliability among our teams and partnerships.
Have Courage
We have the courage to do whatever it takes to succeed, to go above and beyond the call of duty to meet customer needs, take on challenging projects, and commit to ethical business practices, social responsibility and transparency.
Take Pride in Our Work
As a US-based, family-owned manufacturer, we take pride and care in our work; we don’t just meet safety standards; we exceed them to help people live and work securely.
Continuously Improve
We’re always one step ahead. Our team is ever-focused on market shifts and new opportunities, constantly evolving as your chain partner to help drive better business.
Meet the Team
Get to know the teams behind America’s most historic industrial chain manufacturing company. We’ve expanded exponentially since we started out as a single blacksmith’s shop in the 1850s, but our passion for safeguarding your journey still burns just as brightly as it did back in the early days.
Check Out Our Team
Latest News
Navigating a Male-Dominated Field: Melissa Searle’s Journey
Laclede Chain’s Director of Product Management is recognized by Tracks Magazine for her incredible career and dedication to carving out a path for women in manufacturing. Read more about her story and vision for the future.
Laclede Chain Brings Aboard New Director of Rigging & Marine
Laclede Chain Manufacturing has welcomed aboard a new Director of Rigging and Marine, Roland Ross, to bolster plans for growth...
Laclede Chain Taps Melissa Searle to Head Up New Division
Laclede Chain, a leader in American made industrial chains and hooks, is creating a new division, Research & Product Development...