Glendo Corporation

Family-Owned and Operated

People from all over the world have come to associate Glendo Corporation with innovative products, high quality manufacturing and a dedicated workforce. A family-owned business started in 1977, Glendo continues to lead the industry in tools designed for the jewelry and engraving arts, as well as equipment for industrial and business use.

The unique technology utilized in Glendo’s GRS Tool line of products was developed by Don Glaser (Donald A. Glaser) in 1965. Glaser revolutionized the hand engraving field with pneumatic powered tools and supplies that are now used for engraving, stone setting, wood carving, scrimshaw and more.

Don Glaser’s son, D.J. Glaser (Donald J. Glaser, President), has continued in his father’s tradition, and Glendo remains a small family-owned business today. Glendo Corporation is based in Emporia, Kansas, hosting a 48,358 sq. ft. facility housing a tool manufacturing division, machine shop, “Artisan Alley”, employee offices and a fully-equipped training center.

Tool Manufacturing Divisions

Glendo develops, designs, and manufactures dozens of tools for a variety of artistic industries and crafts. Hand engraving and jewelry artists can now work with less fatigue and put more energy into the creative process with tools that make each project less complicated and time-consuming.

Under the GRS Tools division, air-assisted or pneumatic machines such as the GraverMach AT, with its integrated Airtact technology, allow for better and more natural use of your engraving hand with tactile Touch Elements while still allowing foot control when needed.  The recently released GraverSmith is an easy-to-use entry level machine that is similar to the GraverMach AT, but with a simple interface for one handpiece using foot control.

Glendo also manufactures the Accu-Finish line of tools. Accu-Finish is another well respected product line intended for the building and sharpening of cutting tools for industry and the smaller shop.

HandWorker is a pneumatic production tool designed to hold wire crimpers, diagonal cutters, pop rivet guns, wire strippers and many other hand tools which are handle operated.  This air actuated device eliminates the repetitive hand and arm stresses faced by workers in a production setting.

Machine Shop

Glendo has built an extraordinary team of manufacturing people and support personnel. We provide production machining, prototype machining, assembly, design assistance and a variety of related services. Glendo offers these services:

• CNC and conventional machining
• Quality control and inspection
• CAD design and drafting
• Prototype development
• Secondary operations
• Assembly services

Find out about our Machine Shop capabilities and services.

The Artisan Alley

From its beginnings in 2006, a little-known part of GRS called the “Artisan Alley” has provided a unique opportunity for artistic development. Recently, the “Alley” has moved and expanded. This creative studio is now physically part of Glendo’s Research & Development (R & D) department, located within the main shop building.

Learn more about the Artisan Alley and view photos of work done by students.

Glendo Employees

Glendo is a small business, with fewer than 50 employees at our Kansas facility. The dedicated people who constitute Glendo’s staff are caring and committed to providing quality products and support for our customers and the artistic community.

D.J. Glaser, son of the late founder and inventor Don Glaser, is the President of Glendo. Like his father before him, D.J. has a great mind for engineering and creativity. Along with the Research & Development team, he invents new products and works closely with other staff members to constantly improve products and make innovations in the industry.

Kim Pember acts as the General Manager for Glendo Corporation, a role she has successfully filled for over a decade at the company. Kim began at Glendo in the sales department, moving up to Sales Manager, and then General Manager. Those who know Kim recognize her smart business sense and tenacious attitude. She has contributed to the company with her forward thinking and love for the arts, and is credited by Glaser as being the driving force behind the annual Grand Masters Program.

Steve Wilhite is the Production Manager for the manufacturing and machine shop divisions. He works daily with over a dozen employees on the shop floor.

GRS Training Center

Less than 50 years ago, the field of traditional engraving seemed to be coming to an end. Like many specialized trades, engravers and stone setters were secretive about techniques. Becoming a quality professional took more than half a lifetime.

All that has changed. Now you can learn in days what once took years. What’s the secret? GRS provides a friendly environment with personal access to the best tools and the best instructors. Because the engravers and stone setters of today see the value of passing on this trade to the next generation, you can learn from top professionals who are active in their fields. These pros are passionate – and they want to see you succeed.

Learn more about GRSTC and how to get training