As Grote Industries celebrates its 125th anniversary, the company said it is reinforcing its commitment to its most valuable asset, its people, with the promotion of Josh Wilber to vice president of human resources. 

Grote affirmed its enduring commitment to its people, the primary driver behind its evolution from a small 1901 startup into a global leader in vehicle safety and smart trailer technology.

With more than 1,600 employees operating across the United States, Canada, Mexico, Germany, and China, the company attributes its sustained growth to a culture of discipline, responsibility, and customer focus. By elevating its human resources leadership during this milestone year, Grote is taking a strategic step to support its expanding global operations.

Served as Human Resources Director

Wilber has served as director of human resources for the past 14 years, and Grote said he has been instrumental in modernizing talent management and streamlining global processes. In his new role, he will continue to lead the U.S. team while shaping the global policies and processes necessary to support Grote’s expanding international workforce.

“Our 125-year legacy was built by people who were never afraid to take a chance and who stayed focused on solving real-world challenges,” said John Grote, chief operating officer. “As we look toward the future, our success depends on our ability to cultivate excellence across our global workforce. Josh’s leadership will ensure that Grote remains a place where the best teams can win, providing the foundation for the next century of safety and innovation.”

Celebrating 125 Years

The company will commemorate its 125-year milestone with companywide celebrations throughout June, bringing together its global team to reflect on the values of safety, quality, and innovation inspired by founder William D. Grote. 

The company said this leadership expansion underscores its dedication to maintaining its family-owned heritage while evolving into a premier global employer in the commercial vehicle industry.