Grote Opens New European Headquarters in Germany and Appoints New Head of European Operations

Grote Industries, a world leader in high-performance LED lighting technology, recently announced the relocation of its European headquarters to Niederwinkling, Germany. In addition to its world headquarters in Madison, Indiana, USA, Grote maintains facilities in Canada, Mexico and Asia and had conducted its European operations from Spain since 2005.

Grote is moving and expanding its European base of operation due primarily to its growth and the increased market demand for its LED interior lamps, LED work lamps and modular harness and power delivery systems.

“In Bavaria we are close to our major sales markets,” said Klaus Vetterl, newly appointed managing director of Grote’s European operations, emphasizing Bavaria’s central location. “Grote Industries expects this new site to bring advantages, especially with a view to Eastern Europe. Bavaria has very good links that should benefit us.”

Vetterl’s career includes 30 years of service with Siemens VDO, where he was vice president of operations, managing six factories with over EUR 400 million in annual revenues. The close proximity of other major vehicle component suppliers as well as a leading commercial vehicle manufacturer made Grote’s new location attractive. Grote has also recently secured a major contract from a European manufacturer of commercial vehicles and is also examining the possibility of setting up a manufacturing plant at the Niederwinkling site.