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The Gray Company was founded in April 1926 by two brothers, Russell & Leil Gray. Russell was working as a parking lot attendant in Minneapolis and came up with an idea for a product after having to use a manual grease gun in freezing conditions. These conditions turned the grease into a thick sludge making it virtually impossible to use. This is where the first air-powered portable lubricator was born.
As the world changed around them, the Gray Company adapted and reshaped itself. During World War II, they adjusted their production lines in order to support the Allied War effort. They manufactured robust lubrication equipment, most notably the Convoy Luber which kept army vehicles, tanks and aircraft moving.
During the 1950s, Graco continued to push the boundaries and innovate. 1955 saw the introduction of the Fire-Ball high-pressure lubricant pump, built to move oil and grease. It is testament to the design from 1955, that not a lot has changed between now and then and 70 years on it is still being used around the world.
As manufacturing went global, the company combined organic growth with disciplined acquisition to further strengthen their position. Their first export department was created in 1960, this was quickly followed by an international sales division and subsidiaries in Europe, Asia, South America and Canada. With this expansion they officially changed name to Graco Inc. and made the company public.
Throughout the next four decades, Graco continued to go from strength to strength. By the end of the 70’s sales had reached $100 million for the first time. 1983 saw the most products released in one 12-month period, particularly in sealants and adhesives. The 1990’s saw yet more growth and new products going to market, like the Husky double diaphragm pump range. By 2012, Graco surpassed $1 billion in revenue for the first time.
Now celebrating their centennial, Graco is still innovating and pushing the boundaries. With a strong emphasis on the environment and cost saving, their new all electric double diaphragm pump, QUANTM, has again broken new ground and is set to shape the company’s future. Compared to its air-operated counterparts it can save up to 80% in energy usage and costs. It is this ability to adapt and evolve that has served Graco so well over the last 100 years and will continue to do so for the next 100.
Fluid Equipment Services Ltd has been a leading Graco distributor for over 40 years. Throughout this time, we have forged a robust relationship becoming one of the most trusted distributors in the UK. From our base in Hadfield, Derbyshire, we provide expert advice, great pricing and delivery across the UK and beyond. We pride ourselves on giving excellent customer service so contact us Today for all your Graco related enquiries.
