The Louden Machinery Company History, Page 2

During World War One manufacturers began to see that Louden's monorail overhead traveling crane system could speed up production and save money, and Louden's reputation for innovation, reliability and quality allowed them to expand this new market opportunity. Soon this division became predominant.

An early Louden Litter Carrier >>>>>

By World War Two many major manufacturers used Louden material handling equipment. This included Boeing, in their B-29 airplane plants.

Early Louden Litter Carrier

Catalogue front cover, 1919

Louden was chosen to construct the material handing devices for the manufacture of atomic bombs in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Naturally, recognition for this could not be given to Louden until security restrictions were lifted (after the bombs were used in Japan).

Two later contracts of note: In the 1960's Louden built 27 cranes and other devices to handle NASA's Apollo space booster rocket at Huntsville, Alabama, including two miles of track.

In 1961 it supplied overhead cranes for a Boeing plant in Wichita, Kansas, which assembled B-52H airplanes.

Although the company has changed hands many times since 1953 (when the Louden family sold the company), the Louden name is still used on material handing equipment, reflecting Louden's sterling reputation. Production has recently moved away from Fairfield.

Enlarge catalogue front cover c. 1935