Pewaukee-based industrial machinery manufacturer Gorilla Mill announced the transition of ownership and leadership of the company to the third generation of family ownership.

Nathan Cranker has been named the new president of the company. He has been with the company since 2007 and previously served as vice president.

Carbide Grinding Co., Inc. now d.b.a. Gorilla Mill was founded in 1974 in Waukesha by Philipp Laubenstein, an Austrian immigrant. Kevin and Veronica Cranker purchased the company in 2003. In addition to Kevin and Veronica, Gorilla Mill’s ownership team includes Nathan Cranker, Hilary and Steve Roberts, and Brian Kilford.

The company has more than $20 million in annual sales. The company was named a Future 50 company in 2023, recognizing the fastest-growing privately held businesses in southeastern Wisconsin.

“This company was built on passion, grit, and innovation,” said Nathan Cranker. “We’ve never aimed to be average, that’s not who we are. Everything we do is about being the best in our industry. We don’t show up to take second place; we show up to lead, to innovate, and to set the standard for American manufacturing. We’re proud of where we came from, but even more excited about where we’re headed.”

Gorilla Mill recently acquired a second building, just behind its existing Pewaukee building at W226 N735 Eastmound Drive, to expand.