Graham Corporation announced today that its Board of Directors has appointed William C. Johnson as the company's President and Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Johnson, whose appointment becomes effective today, replaces retiring President and CEO Alvaro Cadena.

Mr. Johnson joins Graham from ESAB Welding and Cutting Equipment, a global welding and cutting equipment manufacturer where he served as Senior Vice President and General Manager since 1999, leading a division today totaling $100 million in annual sales. His career has included extensive experience in the manufacturing sector. He was General Manager of the ABB Distribution Transformer Division from 1996 to 1999 and previously held other senior executive and general management positions with ABB. Mr. Johnson earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Alfred University in Alfred, New York and his MBA from Rollins College. He was an officer in the United States Navy from 1985 to 1990, serving in the submarine fleet.

Jerald D. Bidlack, Graham's Chairman, said, "After a nationwide search, the Board and I are delighted that Bill has agreed to lead Graham. He is a distinguished and talented executive with a consistent track record of success, particularly in optimizing operations and delivering profitable growth. He will bring strong leadership to Graham's business."

Mr. Bidlack continued, "We thank Al Cadena for his 35 years of valuable service to Graham and look forward to his continuing contributions as a consultant to the company over the next few years."

Graham designs and builds vacuum and heat transfer equipment for process industries throughout the world. It is a worldwide leader in vacuum technology. The principal markets for Graham's equipment are the chemical, petrochemical, petroleum refining and electric power generating industries, including cogeneration and geothermal plants. Other markets served include metal refining, pulp and paper, shipbuilding, water heating, refrigeration, desalination, food processing, drugs, heating, ventilating and air conditioning. Graham's ejectors, liquid ring and dry vacuum pumps, condensers, heat exchangers and other products, sold either as components or as complete systems, are used by its customers to produce synthetic fibers, chemicals, petroleum products (including gasoline), electric power, processed food (including canned, frozen and dairy products), pharmaceutical products, paper, steel, fertilizers and numerous other products used every day by people throughout the world. Graham's stock is listed on the American Stock Exchange. The company's website address is www.graham-mfg.com.