Keith Wood, Chairman and Former President of Wood's Powr-Grip, Passes Away
It is with great sadness that the Wood’s Powr-Grip family announces the passing of Keith Wood, chairman and former president of WPG. Wood was born in Poplar, Montana, in 1936, to Howard and Beth Wood. He earned a journalism degree from Montana State University, now the University of Montana, in Missoula in 1960, and served two years in the Army.
How his career began
Wood returned to Wolf Point to help run the business in 1970 and later became president. Wood and his wife Faye continued to grow the business, getting more involved in the glass industry and cladding both nationally and internationally. Together, they developed strong relationships with distributors fall over the globe, often hosting them in their home in Wolf Point.
Inspired by innovation
Wood was a loyal member of the National Glass Association. Starting in the early 1970s, Wood participated in NGDA conventions and NGA shows, which later morphed into GlassBuild America shows. When the regional Glass Expo started its annual run in Chicago, Keith and Faye Wood attended those events, too. They often traveled to Germany for the international glasstec shows as well.
Keith Wood was heavily involved in the engineering innovation of larger vacuum lifters to satisfy the glass industry’s demand for improved handling of larger glass loads. He realized the need to add to the company’s engineering capabilities and added staff engineers in the 1980s. Today, Wood’s Powr-Grip employs a team of engineers to ensure that Powr-Grip lifters are among the safest and most efficient available.
Helping WPG grow, even today
Wood ran the company in Wolf Point until it outgrew the location(s); as the business operated in seven different buildings. Keith and Faye made the decision in 1990 to move Wood’s Powr-Grip to Laurel, Montana, to keep the company growing through improved logistics to its growing distributor base.
Some 30 or so employees moved with the business to Laurel, a testament to the family atmosphere the Woods had created as part of the company culture. Keith and Faye both retired in June 2002. The business continues in Laurel to this day, growing under the leadership of their children.
Family wishes
Keith leaves behind his bride, Faye, and their five children,15 grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren.
The family would like to thank everyone for their love and support during these difficult times. In lieu of flowers, they suggest support for Laurel Little League. Keith Wood loved supporting local youths with the free softball complex he developed for them. Checks can be made to Laurel Little League and mailed to P.O. Box 231, Laurel, MT 59044.
