Gema USA announces promotions

Power coating equipment manufacturer Gema, A Graco Inc. company, has promoted Chris Merritt to vice president of Gema North America and Mike Thies to general manager of Gema USA Inc.

Merritt has more than 38 years of service with the company in multiple positions, most recently serving as general manager of Gema North America since 2006. He holds a degree in mechanical engineering technology as well as illustration from Purdue University.

Thies has been with the company more than 36 years. Since 2010, he has served as director of sales and engineering. He is a graduate of ITT Technical Institute, with a degree in electrical technology.