Gema USA says that Chris Merritt has been promoted to Vice President of Gema North America, and Mike Thies has been promoted to General Manager.
Merritt will be leading strategic development and growth initiatives within North America. He has more than 38 years of service with Gema in multiple positions, and since 2006 he has been the General Manager of Gema North America.
Merritt is a graduate of Purdue University with a degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology as well as Illustration. Entering the finishing industry in 1984, he started as an engineer within the powder equipment group of Ransburg Gema, a division of the Ransburg Corporation. Merritt’s extensive work experience includes successful positions in sales, engineering, and management.
Thies has more than 36 years of service with Gema in multiple positions, and since 2010 he has been the Director of Sales and Engineering. Thies is a graduate of ITT Technical Institute with a degree in Electrical Technology. Entering the finishing industry in 1986, Thies started his career at Gema as an electrical assembler, then moved throughout the company in a variety of positions, including field service, engineering, and sales.
Throughout their careers, Merritt and Thies have been active participants and leaders within the powder coating industry. As published authors and speakers about powder coating, they actively present at a variety of technical conferences and training classes.
Merritt is a member of several industry associations and is a strong supporter of the powder coating industry trade association, the Powder Coating Institute. He has served in a variety of leadership roles within PCI and is currently serving on the PCI Board of Directors Executive Committee. Merritt also is the holder of several US patents related to the powder coating industry.
Thies is an active contributor within several organizations, including the Gema representative on the National Fire Protection Association Chapter 33 committee, Powder Coating Institute technical committee, ASTM, and the pipe coating association, NAPCA. His engineering abilities have been rewarded with several US patents.
Gema, a Graco Inc. company, is a global leader in powder coating technology. From manual units to fully automated systems, Gema offers solutions to satisfy customers in a wide variety of end markets. Gema has worldwide headquarters in St. Gallen, Switzerland, and a broad worldwide distribution network. Gema operates its North American Headquarters from Indianapolis, Indiana.