January 10, 2023

Gema USA Inc. has announced that Chris Merritt has been promoted to vice-president of Gema North America. In his new role, Merritt will be leading strategic development and growth initiatives within North America. Merritt has more than 38 years of service with Gema in multiple positions. Since 2006 he has been the general manager of Gema North America. Entering the finishing industry in 1984 with a degree in mechanical engineering technology, Merritt started as an engineer within the powder equipment group of Ransburg Gema, a division of the Ransburg Corporation. 

As an active participant and leader within the powder coating industry, Merritt is a published author and speaker about powder coating, and actively presents at a variety of technical conferences and training classes. He is a member of several industry associations and is a strong supporter of the powder coating industry trade association, The Powder Coating Institute (PCI).  He has served in a variety of leadership roles within PCI and is currently serving on the PCI Board of Directors executive committee. Merritt is also a holder of several US patents related to the powder coating industry.