Graco Inc. has announced plans to close its Palm City, FL, operation by the end of 2005. Graco acquired this operation as part of its Liquid Contol Corp. acquisition, which was completed earlier this year. The operations in Palm City will be consolidated with similar businesses in Lakewood, NJ, and North Canton, OH. This action is not anticipated to have a material impact on 2005 net earnings. "In addition to reducing our costs going forward, this consolidation will allow us to better serve customers with increased sales and service personnel, enable more new products, and strengthen our position in the marketplace," said president and CEO David A. Roberts. Graco Inc. supplies technology and expertise for the management of fluids in both industrial and commercial applications. It designs, manufactures and markets systems and equipment to move, measure, control, dispense, and spray fluid materials. A recognized leader in its specialties, Minneapolis-based Graco serves customers around the world in the manufacturing, processing, construction and maintenance industries.

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