Our story.
GRS is a company inspired by the love of engraving. It was established by two innovative men, Don Glaser and John Rohner, and later expanded by Don’s son, D.J. Glaser.
That inspiration has since been carried on through creation, innovation, and preservation of the arts of hand engraving and stonesetting.
Through a working relationship with the industry, GRS has been able to meet and exceed the needs of customers since the 1960s. GRS has become a global brand recognized for its quality, customer service, and inventive solutions.
After decades in the business, the original passion can still be felt through the newest generation of GRS employees.
Products such as the GraverMach AT, GraverMax G8, BenchMate, and many others can be found on benches all over the world.
Our training center.
Less than 50 years ago, the field of traditional engraving seemed to be a dying art form.
Like many specialized trades, engravers and stone setters were secretive about techniques. In the mid 1990s, GRS opened the GRS Training Center (GRSTC) with the determination of breaking down those barriers.
Primary focus
One of the primary focuses from the beginning was to make hand engraving and stone setting accessible and fun for people with no prior experience.
Expert instructors
GRSTC’s expert instructors have helped countless people get started, while also offering experienced craftsmen classes to elevate their abilities.
State of the art facility
Pairing incredible instruction with a state-of-the-art facility has enabled the GRS Training Center to change lives year after year.
More than artists.
Students who come to learn at the GRS Training Center are not always artists by trade.
Judges, real estate agents, professors, ranchers, outfitters, plumbers, dentists, machinists, and more come to Emporia, Kansas to learn the art of hand engraving and stone setting. This diversity clearly expresses the quality of practical education available in a five-day course at GRS–the provider of the best jewelry making class in Kansas and across the globe.
“We build tools that we are proud of, for people that we truly care about. When you purchase a GRS tool, you are purchasing the care, customer service, and quality we are known for and customers have grown to expect.
At GRS we believe your products should last you many years and help to make your life, your work, or your hobby easier and more enjoyable. We are lucky to be able to work with the best craftsmen and artisans in the world every day.
If you have bought a GRS tool in the past, we thank you for your business. If you are buying your first one, we welcome you to the family.
– A NOTE FROM KIM PEMBER, PRESIDENT
Our facility.
Aside from state-of-the-art manufacturing equipment and an expansive storage space and order fulfillment center, GRS offers students a unique, hands-on facility to learn engraving from industry experts.
Why is GRS in Emporia, Kansas?
In the 1960’s, the earliest GRS tools were made in Don Glaser’s home machine shop in Emporia, Kansas.
His brother-in-law and long-time engraver, John Rohner, would market them from his home in Boulder, Colorado. As the company grew, the line was moved to a contract manufacturing firm in Wichita, KS. By 1977 Don and his son DJ opened Glendo and brought the manufacturing of GRS tools back to Emporia where they are still made today.
Emporia may seem like any other mid-west town, but it is unique in many ways.
We’re lucky and proud to call Emporia our home, and to help the world connect with our community—one artist at a time.
Home to roughly 25,000 people, Emporia is located between Topeka, Wichita, and Kansas City. It is a major destination for gravel grinding bike events, disc golf tournaments, hand engraving, and more. Emporia is also home to Emporia State University and the only 4-year degree in hand engraving. Most restaurants are family-owned and range from BBQ to authentic Mexican, traditional American fare, and more.