Laacke & Joys

LJ Design and Manufacturing is a small, woman owned business celebrating over 150 years of excellence in quality-sewn products. We are the oldest manufacturer in Milwaukee, established in 1844. We produce sewn products for the industrial, medical, recreational and commercial industries. Our expertise in design and fabric selection, coupled with a state of the art production facility makes LJ Design and Manufacturing the choice for both large and small production runs as well as one-of-a-kind projects. We have earned a reputation for manufacturing high quality products on schedule at competitive prices. In 1844 when Wisconsin was still a territory, Greenleaf D. Norris, an early settler, opened a ship's chandlery and a sail loft at the corner of Water and Erie Streets. Norris and his employee, Andrew M. Joys, supplied cordage, covers, oars, tackle blocks, fittings, oils, paints, pitch and provisions for the commercial sailing vessels. Andrew Joys and his brother John assumed ownership of the company in 1875. The R. Laacke Co. was founded in 1887 by Richard T. Laacke, an 18 year old steeplejack, sign hangar and awning manufacturer. Awning fabrications lead to other canvas products such as circus type tents and all kinds of canvas covers. During the two world wars the company supplied extensive canvas products to the armed services. Tents and truck covers were the main war products that Laacke made. The functional and high quality tent tradition continues today with our line of Wildwood Camping Tents. The firms merged in 1957 and moved to the present site at 1433 N. Water Street in 1961. H.C. Woehr, son-in-law of Richard Laacke, was president and principal owner for twenty two years. In 1982, Laacke & Joys was purchased by Ralph J. Wollmer, a long time Laacke employee, and Sargeant E. Joys, the fourth generation member of the Joys family in the firm. In 1996, the company changed ownership and is still locally owned and operated by the managing partner, Marsha K. Mather. Today LJ Design and Manufacturing continues the rich tradition of craftsmanship and attention to detail which this company was founded on. Let us know what your next project is and find out for yourself why experience and excellent customer service makes a difference.