Every great business has a story and we’re here to share that with you. Meet the owners and teams behind Round Lake’s vibrant small business scene.
Meet Grieve: 75 Years Strong
and Still Growing in Round Lake
Tucked away at 500 Hart Road near downtown Round Lake is a company many of our residents don’t even know exists, but Grieve has quietly been part of our Village since 1967.
Grieve started in Chicago in 1949, originally making sheet metal parts for TVs and electronics. But when a customer asked for a custom oven, the company found its niche and never looked back.
“We’re proud to build everything under one roof, it keeps our standards high and our team close.”
Grieve makes custom industrial ovens and furnaces that are shipped across the country and around the world, and every one of them is built right here in our Village.
All of their products are made in-house, using their recognizable twilight green color, in Round Lake in same Hart Road facility they moved to in 1967.
If you see a Grieve oven or furnace, you know it was created right here in the community.
Today, Grieve’s ovens are used in scientific labs, aerospace, auto manufacturing, and more.
As leading innovators, Grieve is the industry standard, but even that does not stop them for aiming higher. They continue to look for ways to improve processes.
Why did Grieve choose Round Lake?
It was mathematically chosen for location and future growth. The community and infrastructure provided room to grow.
Last year, Grieve celebrated their 75th anniversary, a milestone reached by fewer than 1% of businesses and commemorated by Round Lake's Village Board. That longevity didn’t happen by accident. Grieve credits their strong team, commitment to quality, and ability to adapt.
"Grieve is looking to introduce various new products, improve our internet of things, and expand our business
where we can."
What’s been the biggest challenge?
The last few years brought big changes — supply chain issues, shifting tech. But Grieve has worked to stayed adaptive and keep moving forward.
How does Grieve support the local community?
Working with Village Staff and Police Department have been positive experiences. Grieve wants to continue their legacy which includes cementing itself within the community.
Their commitment to Round Lake extends beyond business. One lasting example: the memorial war fountain at Cedar Lake Road and Route 134 — a project Grieve helped bring to life as a symbol of service and local pride.
Supporting local starts with knowing local. If you’ve had a great experience with, or want to nominate, a Round Lake business for a future spotlight, simply click the button below, we’d love to hear suggestions from you.
