Grote Industries has appointed Patrick Smith as vice president of North American operations (Madison, Indiana) and a member of the company’s executive leadership team.

With more than 20 years of manufacturing leadership experience and a strong background in Lean manufacturing and Six Sigma, he brings hands-on expertise to help drive continuous improvement across Grote’s operational processes.

Smith most recently served as vice president of operations at Vibracoustic, a Freudenberg company, where he was responsible for 13 manufacturing sites and more than 3,000 team members across the United States, Mexico, and Brazil.

Prior to Vibracoustic, Smith held leadership positions at Kohler Company, Tenneco Automotive, Faurecia Emissions Control Technologies and ArvinMeritor.

“Patrick’s experience and track record of delivering results make him a great addition to our strong Grote team,” said John Grote, chief operating officer of Grote Industries. “We are excited for him to join us to lead our ongoing Lean journey.”

As part of the executive leadership team in Madison, Smith will bring his decades of expertise and a solutions-focused viewpoint to Grote’s management team, with an emphasis on operational excellence, continuous improvement, and talent development.

“Great operations are built by great people, and I look forward to partnering with our teams across the organization to strengthen our culture of operational excellence, develop exceptional talent and drive sustainable performance,” said Smith. “I’m honored by the trust placed in me and eager to get started.”

125th Anniversary of Grote

Smith joins Grote during a milestone year for the company. Founded in 1901, Grote Industries is celebrating 125 years of innovation and manufacturing excellence in 2026. Throughout its history, the company has remained family-owned while evolving alongside the transportation industry and advancing vehicle lighting, electrical, and intelligent trailer systems. As Grote looks toward its next 125 years, the company said it remains focused on the values that have guided it for generations: safety, quality, and innovation.