Young entrepreneurs Alvin E. Jacobson, Sr. and Paul A. Johnson, Sr. started Grand Haven Brass Foundry in 1919, which became the cornerstone of our company in Grand Haven, Michigan. After a fire burned the foundry to the ground, their friend B.P. Sherwood of Grand Haven State Bank helped rebuild the foundry by arranging bank financing. Later, B.P. joined Alvin and Paul as business partners.
The business grew into a family of businesses: Grand Haven Brass Foundry, Grand Haven Stamped Products Company, Dake, Michigan Plastic Products Company and Carlon Meter Company. In 1970, these companies joined together to form JSJ Corporation.
Members of the founding families of Jacobson, Johnson and Sherwood still lead the business today.
1919
Alvin E. Jacobson, Sr. and Paul A. Johnson, Sr. form the Grand Haven Brass Foundry.
1920
Future JSJ business partner B.P. Sherwood of Grand Haven State Bank helps Jacobson and Johnson purchase another building after fire destroys the original business site.
1924
Bolling Manufacturing Company is founded by Jacobson-Johnson-Sherwood and other parties. Some time later, Jacobson-Johnson-Sherwood acquired the entire company and changed the name to Grand Haven Stamped Products Company (later GHSP).
1940
Dake Engine Company, founded in 1887, is purchased by Jacobson-Johnson-Sherwood.
1970
The Jacobson, Johnson, and Sherwood families formally combine all of their business together under JSJ Corporation.
1980
JSJ purchases Mcloone Metal Graphics Company, started in 1954.
1982
JSJ acquires Sparks Belting Company, founded in 1954.
1984
JSJ finalizes its acquisition of Hudson Tool & Die Company, started in 1940.
1987
JSJ Tianjin is launched as a foundry and machine shop joint venture in China.
1987
CounterPoint Furniture Products is established by JSJ.
1988
JSJ acquires SuperiorSeating, founded in 1972.
1994
JSJ China is founded.
1996
Sparks de Mexico is established.
2000
JSJ launches the izzydesign office furniture brand.
2004
GHSP acquires KDS Controls, started in 1977.
2005
GHSP Automotive Company is established in China.
2006
GHSP establishes Nobletec (Shanghai) Automotive Co., Ltd
2007
Izzy acquires the assets of Sweetwater Products, Inc.
JSJ Estalishes an equity JV with a Chinese office furniture wood component manufacturer.
2008
izzy acquires the Harter, Fixtures Furniture, Zoom Seating and ABCO Office Furniture Brands.