The Board of Directors of Graco Inc. has named Patrick J. McHale to be the company's president and chief executive officer, and to become a member of the board of directors, effective July 13, 2007. McHale has been a vice president and officer of Graco since 1999 and was most recently vice president and general manager of Graco's Lubrication Equipment Division. In his 17 years with Graco, McHale has held a number of positions including vice president of manufacturing/distribution operations, vice president of contractor equipment, and several operations positions.

The Graco board of directors also elected Lee R. Mitau chairman of the board. Mitau, 58, is executive vice president and general counsel of U.S. Bancorp. He has been a member of Graco's board of directors since 1990 and is chairman of the board's governance committee. Mitau also served as Graco's chairman during the years 2002-2006.

David A. Roberts, Graco's current chairman, president and chief executive officer, is resigning from the company to become chairman, president and chief executive officer of Carlisle Companies.

For more information, visitwww.graco.com.