Illness claims father of crane companies

John Grove, 82, co-founder of Grove Manufacturing and JLG, died last week at his home following an extended illness.

In his early years, Grove was a machine operator at the Landis Machine Co. and Landis Tool Co. of Waynesboro, Pa., and at the Westinghouse Electric & Manufacturing Co., Philadelphia, where he worked in R&D on experimental steam hydraulics.

In 1946 with his brother Dwight he co-founded Grove Manufacturing Co., Shady Grove, Pa. He served as executive vice president and general manager from 1946-1968, during which time he developed the modern hydraulic crane. In 1967, Grove Manufacturing was merged into the Walter Kidde & Co.

Grove co-founded JLG Industries Inc., McConnellsburg, Pa., in 1969 and served as president/CEO and chairman.

In 1993, he was inducted into the Construction Equipment Hall of Fame for his contributions to the global construction equipment industry.