Aaron Ravenscroft, CEO and President of Manitowoc recently kicked off the 75th anniversary of the founding of Grove and National Crane.
Brothers John and Dwight Grove, along with business partner Wayne A. Nicarry, founded Grove Manufacturing in Shady Grove, Pennsylvania, in 1947, producing farm wagons. That same year, Marlo Burg founded the National Crane business in Waverly, Nebraska, initially manufacturing roadside weed sprayers. The need for specialized equipment led both companies down a new road, one that would shape the future of the lifting industry. Combined, Grove and National Crane own 59 active U.S. patents and have delivered over 125,000 cranes into the global market.
Grove claims numerous firsts, such as the first RT with four-wheel drive and four-wheel steer, and the trapezoidal boom, with legendary models like the RT58 & TM1275, the newest GRT RT models, the very popular AT’s with MEGATRAK™, MegaWingLift™, and other customer-driven innovations such as CCS control capabilities.
National Crane boom trucks are a mainstay for the general building, roofing, utilities, and tree sectors. Twenty years ago, boom trucks were topping out at 40 tons. Today, our team continues to push the boundaries for capacities and length.
Many Grove and National owners and operators instil their trust and confidence in our cranes and our support. Our cranes serve their lifting needs and help them earn their livelihoods.
You will see various marketing communications this year related to the 75th anniversary. These include local employee open houses and celebrations, Looking Up articles, social media, and celebration events at the bauma 2022 trade show.
After 75 years, Grove and National Crane are thriving brands with bright futures. Thank you for the work you continue to do to Build Something Real. There is good reason to be proud!
Happy Anniversary to two of our brands.