Part numbers: WK | NR | KM | LGK | IGK | IGL | BGK
We want to start by clarifying motors with Groschopp WK, NR, and the other part numbers listed above are not our product.
If you saw “Groschopp” on the label and came to us hoping for a replacement, don’t worry, it happens more than you think. Motors with these part numbers are built by Groschopp & Co., GmbH, a German motor manufacturer completely separate from us. The above list may not be comprehensive, but they are part numbers we are aware of.
Why the same name?
In order to answer this question, we need to go back to how we got our start. The foundation of Groschopp, Inc. (our company) began in 1930 as a company called Wincharger. Based in Sioux City, Iowa, Wincharger was a pioneer in the development of wind powered generators, primarily marketed in rural areas of the U.S. where modern electrical service had yet to reach. By the late 1930’s, the young company attracted the attention of Zenith Radio Corporation, who sought to bring radios powered by Wincharger’s generators to rural regions.
During World War II, the Wincharger Company became the world’s largest manufacturer of dynamotors and inverters, leveraging its success into motors and farm generators in the 1950’s post-war economy. In 1968, Dyna-Technology purchased the Wincharger division from Zenith, eventually relocating the company’s small motor operations to Sioux Center, Iowa.
In 1980, Groschopp & Co., GmbH purchased the small motor division of Dyna-Technology, but the company was acquired by a private trust in 1996 and separated from Groschopp’s European operations. However, after making our way as a successful motor and gearmotor manufacturer here in Sioux Center, Iowa, we chose to keep the Groschopp name and still operate under it today.
How do I replace my motor?
For motors with these part numbers, you will need to go back to the OEM and order directly from them.