In 1854, aged 22, James Howden set up his own consulting engineering business in Glasgow, Scotland, competing against professional engineers of greater age and experience. The focus was on machine tools and he was granted Letters Patent for improvements in the manufacture of rivets, bolts, spikes, screw blanks and other articles. The first Howden engineering works at 4 Scotland Street, Glasgow, was built in 1862 to construct engines and boilers for use in ships.

1857 
James Howden commences the design and supply of boilers and steam engines for the marine industry. .
1860 
James Howden patents a method of preheating combustion air.
1863 
James Howden introduces a furnace mechanical draught system which uses a steam turbine driven axial flow fan.
1867 
Benjamin Franklin Sturtevant patents a rotary exhaust fan.
1866 
BF Sturtevant Co pioneers the use of mechanical draught fans for ventilation in the marine industry when its fans are fitted on the USS Alliance.
1880 
Bryan Donkin Co pioneers the use of gas boosting at Beckton Gas Works in UK.
1882 

Howden provides a comprehensive range of aftermarket services for a wide range of air & gas handling equipment and related products. Click on the panels below for more information on the services we offer.