MINNEAPOLIS – The board of directors of Graco Inc. has named Dale Johnson President of its Worldwide Contractor Equipment Division, effective Feb. 1, 2017. Johnson has provided more than 40 years of service to Graco, most recently as Vice President and General Manager of the Worldwide Contractor Equipment Division. The division markets sprayers for architectural coatings for painting, corrosion-control, texture and line striping.

"Dale has created tremendous shareholder value for Graco during his career, leveraging his deep understanding of the contractor market to drive industry-leading financial performance for our Contractor Equipment Division over the past two decades,” said Patrick J. McHale, Graco's President and CEO. "Graco Contractor Equipment products are known globally for exceptional performance, reliability and durability. Dale's unique management style, laser-like focus on new product innovation and ability to build a passionate, high-performing team have proven a potent combination for sustaining top- and bottom-line growth."