Page 68 - MACC Guide 2019/2020

BUSINESS.

A family’s multi-generational commitment to

the vehicle and transportation

lighting industry.

Innovation has been the hallmark of Grote Industries INTERNATIONAL PRESENCE
since 1901. From durable, easy-to-see stop lights to the
Today, Grote employs thousands of workers in its
latest in LED lighting technology, Grote has been leading
main Madison headquarters, as well as locations in
the way in advanced vehicle system solutions from
Waterloo and Markham, Canada; Bogen, Germany;
early in the last century right up to today. With these
Monterrey, Mexico; and its two newest locations in
cutting edge ideas, Grote has helped millions of people
China, Shanghai and Zhuzhou.
throughout North America and the world benefit from
Grote has called Madison its international home and
the design excellence of Grote products.
headquarters for more than 60 years. As a proud corpo-
A LONG LEGACY rate member of the community, Grote not only employs
William Grote started the company at the turn of a large segment of the Jefferson County, Indiana, popula-
th
the 20 century. Grote’s legacy of original thinking and tion, but also contributes to charitable and philanthropic
visionary leadership was established by its founder. causes on a regular basis in the region.
Early in the life of the growing young company, William
GIVING BACK
Grote demonstrated his capacity for innovation. While
exploring Europe for new technologies, Grote brought Because of its status in the Madison community,
the first plastic injection molding machines to the USA. Grote has the honor of donating its time, its employee’s
Shortly thereafter, Grote became the first producer of time and talents, and generous monetary contributions
plastic products in the United States. to numerous organizations. A hallmark of Grote’s phil-
During the 1920’s, the company shifted its focus to anthropic endeavors is The Grote Lamplighter Club. In
making products for the automotive market. At that existence for more than 40 years, Lamplighters—made
point, Grote embarked on a program of research and up entirely of a group of salary employees at Grote
development that has led the industry in vehicle safety Industries—is a non-profit that raises money for charity
equipment. Not content to simply follow the trends, each year. Past organizations that have received char-
Grote helped define the direction of automotive lighting itable donations from The Lamplighters Club include
and design, setting the pace for better methods and high- the Lide White Memorial Boys and Girls Club, Voices
er standards of safety through a continued commitment For Children, The Salvation Army, Habitat for Human-
to innovation. ity, Prevent Child Abuse Indiana, Pathways Youth and
66 MADISONINDIANA.COM