From a Minneapolis Garage to a Global Manufacturer: Graco Marks 100 Years of Resilience
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Graco’s first salesmen,
That frustration, and a belief that work should be safer and more reliable, resulted in the invention of an air-powered grease gun that solved a real customer problem, launching
Founded in 1926 as
The company is notable for its ability to adapt through some of the most turbulent chapters of modern history, from the Great Depression and World War II to oil crises, globalization, and recessions. While few companies reach their centennial with relevance intact, fewer can explain why they lasted. For Graco, the answer is resilience rooted in customer-led innovation.
A COMPANY THAT ADAPTED AS THE WORLD CHANGED
As global events reshaped industry, Graco reshaped itself.
“Over the last 100 years, Graco has faced the same economic, political, and global challenges that tested every company,” said
During World War II, Graco adjusted its production lines to support the Allied war effort, manufacturing rugged lubrication equipment that helped keep vehicles, tanks, and aircraft operating under punishing conditions.
In the postwar boom, as Americans bought homes, appliances, and consumer goods, Graco expanded beyond lubrication into pumps and systems that helped factories move paints, adhesives, sealants, and hard-to-move manufacturing fluids at scale.
As manufacturing globalized, the company grew with it, combining organic innovation with disciplined acquisitions. Today, Graco sells its products in more than 100 countries around the world, with offices and factories on six continents.
Graco’s century-long run offers a lesson in diversified growth through disruption. Rather than chasing short-term growth, the company remained focused on expanding capabilities and industries while staying anchored to core manufacturing expertise.
GRACO TOUCHES LIVES EVERY DAY AROUND THE WORLD
Some people know Graco by name, others by the paint sprayers in their garage. Much of the company’s impact, however, happens behind the scenes, inside factories, on construction sites, and throughout the systems that quietly keep modern life moving.
Graco equipment helps paint homes, cars, airplanes, and landmarks. It stripes roads, bridges, parking lots, and sports fields. It dispenses food products like peanut butter and chocolate, and applies adhesives that hold cars, electronics, and packaging together. Behind those moments are systems that move, measure and control fluids and powders with precision, helping customers improve efficiency, enhance safety and deliver consistent results.
Graco’s technology is embedded in modern life, often out of sight, but everywhere in use.
What began as a two-brother startup in
The values of the company extend beyond business and into its hometown communities. Through the
LOOKING AHEAD TO THE NEXT CENTURY OF MANUFACTURING
As manufacturing enters a new era, Graco is positioning itself for what comes next.
“Our future will be guided by the same principles that shaped our past,” Sheahan said. “Engineering dependable products designed to last, investing in people, and staying relentlessly focused on our customers’ toughest challenges. That is how we have endured and how we will continue to grow.”
The company is investing in automation, data-driven systems, artificial intelligence and more sustainable operations to drive productivity and growth for customers.
Throughout 2026, Graco will commemorate its centennial with celebrations across its global facilities, recognizing employees, customers, and partners who have helped define its first 100 years and shape its next.
For more on Graco’s centennial, visit graco.com/100years.
ABOUT GRACO
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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
Meredith_A_Sobieck@graco.com
Dani.Jurisz@padillaco.com
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