History, Mission & Vision
Celebrating 150 Years of
Engineering Innovation
Our History: A Legacy of Strength and Innovation
For over 150 years, Joyce/Dayton Corp. has been the premier North American manufacturer of screw jacks, actuators, and lifting systems. From our founding in 1873 to today, we've set the industry standard for product quality, custom engineering, and reliable customer service.
Our story is one of continuous growth and adaptation, always driven by a commitment to solving our customers' most demanding linear motion challenges. We combine a rich history of proven engineering with modern innovation to deliver solutions that perform, endure, and inspire confidence.
A Legacy of Innovation: Over 150 Years
1873
Company Founded
The Joyce-Cridland Company is established by Jacob Joyce and Thomas Cridland, manufacturing lifting jacks for the railroad industry.
1900s
Industry Expansion
Product lines expand to serve heavy-duty equipment needs in mining, logging, and stone quarries.
1930s
Testing New Ventures
In late 1932, the Joyce-Cridland Company bought the Van Horne Tube Company to expand into radio and testing equipment, but this new direction only lasted a few years before the focus returned to jacks and lifting equipment.
WWII Era
Supporting the War Effort
Joyce jacks and aircraft lift stands become indispensable tools for Allied forces in Europe and the South Pacific, earning a commendation from the US government.
1950s
Automobile Lifts
By the 1950’s most service stations featured a “Joyce” to lift automobiles for service. Larger capacity lifts were also developed for the transit industry for the maintenance of buses and trolleys.
1970s
Growth and a New Name
Manufacturing moves to a new facility in Portland, Indiana. The company name officially changes to Joyce/Dayton Corp.
1990s
Advancing Linear Motion
Customized systems are developed to create self-leveling worm gear screw jacks to maintain perfectly level conditions.
2012
EDrive Actuators
Joyce/Dayton Corp acquires EDrive Actuators, Inc, manufacturer of heavy-duty electric linear actuators.
2014
Graham Holdings
Graham Holdings acquires Joyce/Dayton Corp. as part of its ongoing strategy of investing in companies with demonstrated earnings potential and strong management teams.
2025
Integrating for the Future
The Portland, Indiana facility is expanded to accommodate growth and enhance core capabilities while bringing all product lines under one roof to increase efficiency.
Our Mission, Vision, and Pillars
At the core of our enduring success is "The Joyce Way"—a commitment to our customers, our employees, and our community. Our mission is to provide innovative, high-quality motion control solutions backed by unparalleled engineering support and customer service.
We envision a future where our robust and precise technologies empower industries to achieve new levels of efficiency and performance. This vision is built upon our pillars of integrity, teamwork, continuous improvement, and an unwavering focus on customer success.