The company history of J. vom Cleff A. Sohn GmbH & Co. KG starts in 1844 when Johann Isaak vom Cleff founded a nail factory in Cronenberg. In the 19th century it was common to add the father’s name to the company’s name, which resulted to “Johann Isaak vom Cleff son of Abraham” (J. vom Cleff A. Sohn). The original name is still in use as a sign of the company’s long tradition.