Mining men, both in this country and abroad, came to know his capabilities as a straight thinker, constantly ahead of the field. His opinion and studies influenced many of the finest and most progressive mining installations of the 20th Century.
​
In 1937, to manufacture equipment needed for furthering of rubber-tire haulage, he organized J.H. Fletcher & Co.™.
​
James H. Fletcher had the opportunity to live during the transition of the coal industry from the day of the "two track tipple" to the technological marvels of the present mines. He was a part of the fraternity of men ever pressing forward, building together.
​
​
Venture through our timeline.
Isn't that the kind of company you want working for you?
J.H. Fletcher & Co. is one of the top global producers of custom underground mining equipment. Engineering and manufacturing
solutions since 1937 has created a
well-reputable and diverse product line. Fletcher roof bolters are world renowned and accompanied by an entire product line of technological machinery focused on worker safety and productivity. Fletcher equipment is customizable and designed to accommodate all underground mining applications.
​
“Our goal is to manufacture equipment for underground mining that increases safety
and production through engineering innovation, quality control, experienced service and ownership stability.”
​
ABOUT US
-J. Robert Fletcher
OUR FOUNDER
To old-timers, it may seem like yesterday. Creaky, unstable timbers groaning under the weight of shaky mine roofs. Small, open cap lamp flames lighting the way for hard-working miners. Caged canaries alerting crews to toxic air. In today's world, the difference is night and day. That was 1937; this is now.
​
James H. Fletcher began his company intent on developing technology that would greatly improve mine productivity and reduce personnel risk by using rubber-tire, non-track-mounted vehicles in underground applications. In 1938, the company showed its first products at a coal show in Cincinnati; a rubber-tire tractor and drop-bottom conveyor.
​
Since that time, J.H. Fletcher & Co.™ has operated with a singular vision: to work with a vigilant focus on finding ways to improve mining processes and reducing risk for the people who work there.
​
​
​
JAMES HERBERT FLETCHER, Chairman of the Board and President of J.H. Fletcher & Co. (1937-1960) gave dynamic leadership to our organization, and as a consulting engineer, was at the forefront of the mining industry.
Born Spetember 11, 1888 in St. Charles Township, Illinois, fourth child of Charles E and Nettie Fletcher, he spent his formative years with six brothers and sisters on the family farm.
​
Brought up in a Christian atmosphere, he developed qualities that characterized his entire life. From his mother, he learned to never relinquish an idea - that honest effort, regardless of adversity, is always crowned with success. His father gave him the pride of family heritage and tradition, and the oft quoted maxim: "The world may owe you a living, but it is up to you to collect it."
​
In 1907 he entered Armour Institute of Technology. These were the early days of electricity, and patents covering automobile starting and lighting systems (forerunners of more than twenty others) were granted in his name, even before his graduation as an electrical engineer in 1911.
​
Moving into the field of power generation, he shortly became associated with a new firm of engineering consultants, Allen & Garcia Company. Growing with the organization, he headed the Underground Mining and Report departments, and was treasurer of the company until establishing his own consulting practice in 1936.
​
Mining men, both in this country and abroad, came to know his capabilities as a straight thinker, constantly ahead of the field. His opinion and studies influenced many of the finest and most progressive mining installations of the 20th Century.
​
In 1937, to manufacture equipment needed for furthering of rubber-tire haulage, he organized J.H. Fletcher & Co. James H. Fletcher had the opportunity to live during the transition of the coal industry from the day of the "two track tipple" to the technological marvels of the present mines. He was a part of the fraternity of men ever pressing forward, building together.
​
In 2018, James H. Fletcher was inducted into the International Mining Technology Hall of Fame for all of his accomplishments and contributions to modern mining technology. To learn more of all the contributions to the mining and other industries, venture through the timeline below.
​
​
