Wood’s Powr-Grip Celebrating 60 Years In Business

Laurel, MT - Wood’s Powr-Grip (WPG), a leading U.S. manufacturer of tools and equipment for handling insulated metal panels, glass and other materials, is marking its 60th year in business in 2024.

Wood’s Powr-Grip employees and management gather for a photo inside the company’s Laurel, MT facility Feb. 7, in celebration of the company’s 60th anniversary. WPG makes tools and equipment used extensively in insulated metal panel handling, glass installation, glass fabrication and other industries worldwide. Photo by Lee Ann Wood / Design illustration by Stacy Lawver — Courtesy of Wood’s Powr-Grip.

The company was incorporated in 1964 by Howard Wood. At the time, the Navy veteran had owned and operated an engine repair shop in Wolf Point, MT, for more than 15 years. Howard Wood's affinity for mechanical problem-solving sparked his first invention: a tool that held motor valves in place during checking and refitting. This “lapping” tool used vacuum in a way that revolutionized auto engine repairing. More importantly, it pointed Howard Wood toward his next invention: The handheld vacuum cup for handling glass. The popularity of the hand cup, as well as the valve grinder, quickly led to the founding of WPG.

In the 60 years since, WPG has innovated and introduced many new products while making continuous improvements to existing ones. Along with Powr-Grip hand cups, WPG’s powerful below-the-hook vacuum lifters have become essential equipment for many businesses that handle glass, insulated metal panels, stone slabs, and more.

Through a network of authorized dealers, WPG sells its lifting products and optional equipment both nationally and internationally. These products, as well as WPG’s customer service, consistently earn acclaim from industry experts and professionals alike. The hand cup is so iconic that many glaziers simply refer to it a “Wood’s cup”.

Currently, a third generation of Wood family members has been leading the company through a period of robust growth: Bryan Wood, President and CEO; Barry Wood, VP of Marketing and Sales; and Brad Wood, Production Manager.

“I’m extremely humbled thinking back to the hard work and sacrifices of our parents and grandparents, who were so determined to make glass handling safer and easier,” said Bryan Wood, President and CEO.

“It’s a passion that’s created many long-term friendships in our industry these past 60 years. It inspires us today to provide the type of customer service you would want a friend to have. It also motivates us to continue innovating, so that every one of those friends can safely provide all of us with our windows to the world.”

WPG plans to celebrate the milestone with employees, dealers, and customers throughout 2024 — all while looking forward to another 60 years of innovation.

About Wood's Powr-Grip

Wood's Powr-Grip Inc. designs, manufactures and distributes tools and equipment that improve efficiency, enhance safety, and lower costs for the industries that it serves. The company offers a full line of hand-held vacuum cups, below-the-hook vacuum lifters and vacuum mounting cups that make material handling and equipment mounting easier. The products are used to lift, hold and position a variety of smooth, nonporous materials such as insulated metal panels, glass, plastics, engine valves, sheet metal, solid surfacing, laminates, stone slabs and appliances. Powr-Grip products are individually tested before being shipped from the production facility, in order to ensure quality and promote safety for the user.

Wood's Powr-Grip's headquarters are located in Laurel, MT, and its vacuum cups and equipment products are distributed internationally in nearly 50 countries through an extensive network of dealers and distributors. For more information, visit www.wpg.com.