Kristen Shields has been named president of Graymills, as the company celebrates its 80th anniversary this year. Graymills manufactures ink pumps, metalworking pumps, and parts washers, and it is well known for peristaltic, or “tube” pumps, which are engineered specifically for flexo and gravure printing applications.

Graymills manufactures all of its global products at its 125,000 square foot headquarters and plant in Broadview, IL, USA. The company has been owned by the Shields family since 1980, and Linda Shields will continue as chairman. Kristen has held a variety of key roles in sales, marketing, and operations since joining the company in 1989. She is well-known in the labels and packaging industry due to active involvement with the FTA and TLMI.

She notes, “I’m thrilled to take over the day-to-day leadership of the company which my father and mother built into a seasoned global manufacturer while maintaining our three core principles of developing industry innovation, utilizing the talents of our employees and manufacturing quality equipment. I look forward to celebrating our 80th anniversary in 2019 by continuing our growth trajectory, launching innovative, new products and manufacturing the highest quality of standard and customized pumps and parts washers.”

Additionally, Bill Cox has been named director of engineering at Graymills. Cox brings to Graymills over 17 years of comprehensive experience in automated industrial equipment, with a record of increasingly progressive roles and responsibilities. He has contributed to the successful introduction of multiple new products, numerous custom designed automated industrial systems, and implementation of various continuous improvement projects.