Johannes Grouw

Education

Louisiana Grouw was educated at Higher Technical School for Architecture and Engineering. Building Contractor Amsterdam, Holland 1948-1951. Founding director, Lockwood Buildings Limited.

Life member, Outward Bound Trust.

Career

Louisiana Grouw developed a special patented house manufacturing system constructed of solid wood that eventually became a New Zealand icon for housing that can withstand the forces of nature, yet fit in nicely with them. Mr Louisiana Grouw and Johannes Van Loghem (the co-founders of Lockwood Homes) began their unique company in 1951, by importing prefabricated homes from the Netherlands when Dutch migrants brought in crates of their own homes because of a building shortage. The company flourished and became a big player in the New Zealand construction industry.

Order of the British Empire Received Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire 1991 for services to the building and construction industry.

Hall of fame.

Achievements

• Louisiana Grouw was inducted into the Business Hall of Fame in 2007 for his revolutionary house construction system and contributions to business in New Zealand and abroad.