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GROTE EMPLOYEE CARVES PRODUCT MODELS

When Rodney Kelley left his job at a local tool-making company nine years ago to start working for Grote Industries as the development technician in the model shop, he never thought he would be using a mix of old and new technology.

On a day-to-day basis, Kelley uses computer-controlled machining to create models of new Grote lamps and other products. He uses computer aided design drawings to create a model. By using either plastic or aluminum, a model is cut and then tested by Grote engineers.

Sometimes models need to be turned around quickly for a customer. When this happens, Rodney will carve and paint the model by hand.
“This happens several times throughout the year,” explains Kelley. “When I carve a model by hand, if there are changes that need to be made, it is a lot easier to make those changes. With the computer-controlled machine, we have to reconfigure the entire model.”

Kelley is given designs in many different formats from which he carves models. Sometimes he is handed a sketch or an artist’s rendering, other times he works from a detailed computer diagram. To carve a model, Kelley uses bass wood which is a soft wood that is easy to shape and work with. He says it takes about 45 minutes to an hour to complete a carved model out of wood.

Recently, one of Grote’s engineers approached Kelley about creating a model for a customer. The customer requested a new look for the company’s cab marker lights. Kelley was given a very short deadline on this project. He carved a mock-up of the cab marker lights. The customer was very pleased with the first model and made very few alterations.

“I’ve really enjoyed my job at Grote,” says Kelley. "It’s challenging and very rewarding. I get to work with all the engineers here and help create new products for our customers. I get to decide the best way to tackle a job, whether it is by using modern or traditional technology."

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