John L. Grove

John L. Grove

John L. Grove (January 26, 1921 – June 16, 2003) was an American inventor and industrialist, primarily known for developing the hydraulic crane and access lift industries.

Born in Franklin County, Pennsylvania in 1921, John and his older brothers Dwight and Wayne Nicarry started building farm wagons in Shady Grove, Pennsylvania, and officially founded Grove Manufacturing Company in 1947. Needing a method of moving heavy steel for the wagons, John used his knowledge of hydraulics to develop a rudimentary crane. Dealer interest in John's crane soon lead to the decision to produce the first mobile hydraulic industrial cranes. That decision quickly transformed the company from a manufacturer of farm implements to a world leader in the crane market. In the late 1950s, John's work with Paul K. Shockey developed an all-steel hydraulic extension ladder for use on fire trucks. Within Grove Manufacturing, John oversaw the crane division while Dwight dealt with the farm equipment.

Rapid growth, primarily due to demand for the hydraluc cranes, resulted in the company expanding to over 1,000 employees by 1967. That same year, against John's wishes, Grove Manufacturing was sold to the Walter Kidde Company. Internal strife between the brothers, and possible health issues, caused John to leave the company in 1968.

In 1969, John along with Paul Shockey started Condor Industries and began manufacturing truck-mounted 'cherry-picker' style lifts, primarily for the aircraft maintenance industry. In 1973, Condor Industries was renamed JLG Industries (JLG for John L. Grove). With innovative products and designs, such as mounting lifts on track-driven frames, locating the crane operators cab on the turret, less expensive truck mounted cranes, and 'scissors' lifts, JLG Industries had over 700 employees and 30 million in sales by the late 1970s.

By the end of his career, John held over 60 patents.

The John L. Grove College of Business at Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania is named in honor of him.


Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.

Игры ⚽ Нужна курсовая?

Look at other dictionaries:

  • John Dunstaple — (or Dunstable) (c. 1390 – 24 December 1453) was an English composer of polyphonic music of the late medieval era and early Renaissance. He was one of the most famous composers active in the early 15th century, a near contemporary of Leonel Power …   Wikipedia

  • John Boydell — (19 January 1720 (New Style) ndash; 12 December 1804) was an eighteenth century British publisher noted for his reproductions of engravings. He helped alter the trade imbalance between Britain and France in engravings and initiated a British… …   Wikipedia

  • John Boydell — Retrato de John Boydell por William Beechey. Óleo sobre tabla, 1801 …   Wikipedia Español

  • John Oxenford — (12 August 1812 – 21 February 1877), English dramatist, was born at Camberwell, London, England. Contents 1 Life …   Wikipedia

  • John Horler — John Douglas Horler (b. February 26, 1947, Lymington) is an English jazz pianist. He is the brother of fellow jazz musician David Horler and the uncle of Natalie Horler, who is the lead singer in the successful eurodance band Cascada.John Horler… …   Wikipedia

  • John Robichaux — (January 16, 1866, Thibodaux, Louisiana 1939, New Orleans) was an American jazz bandleader, drummer, and violinist. He was the uncle of Joseph Robichaux.John Robichaux moved to New Orleans in 1891, where he was the bass drummer for the Excelsior… …   Wikipedia

  • John Purcell (musician) — John Raymond Purcell (b. May 8, 1952, New York City) is an American jazz saxophonist.Purcell was raised in Westchester, New York, where he started on French horn before switching to saxophone. He attended the Manhattan School of Music, achieving… …   Wikipedia

  • John Pritchard (conductor) — Sir John Michael Pritchard CBE (5 February 1921 ndash; 5 December 1989) was a English conductor. He was known for his interpretations of Mozart operas and for his support of contemporary music.Life and careerPritchard was born in London, to a… …   Wikipedia

  • Grove — People, places, and things commonly known as grove include: * A small group of trees such as a sequoia grove; see grove (nature) * A small group of trees used as a place of pagan worship: see Sacred grove. The most famous sacred grove in Greece… …   Wikipedia

  • John Dowland — Not to be confused with John Noel Dowland. John Dowland[1] (1563 – buried 20 February 1626) was an English Renaissance composer, singer, and lutenist. He is best known today for his melancholy songs such as Come, heavy sleep (the basis for… …   Wikipedia

Share the article and excerpts

Direct link
… Do a right-click on the link above
and select “Copy Link”