Icon homebuilder, Lockwood, celebrates 50 years in business this weekend (May 5- 6).
Joe La Grouw, son of Dutch immigrant Jo La Grouw, one of the two founders, now owns the family company, La Grouw
Corporation
Highlight of the Golden Jubilee celebrations is the official opening of a new and radically different show home designed
by Auckland architect and Te Papa co-designer Pete Bossley on Sunday.
The company’s 40 franchise builders from around the country will be in Rotorua for the occasion, which includes a
jubilee ball, the franchisee excellence awards and a trout fishing contest.
Since starting in 1951, Lockwood has built more than 30,000 homes and commercial buildings and has exported homes around
the world.
Lockwood homes have met with success in Pacific Rim countries because of their ability to withstand earthquakes and
cyclones.
The company employs 120 staff at its 10 hectare manufacturing site in Rotorua.
Founder Jo La Grouw and his wife Gonda, now in their late eighties, are still living in one of the first Lockwood homes
ever built.
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