Kristen Shields wins TLMI award

Graymills Corporation president Kristen Shields has been named TLMI Supplier of the Year by the Tag & Label Manufacturers Institute (TLMI), which recognized her exceptional leadership, innovation and contributions to the global label and packaging community.

Shields was honored during TLMI's Annual Awards Ceremony, where industry peers applauded her commitment to strengthening American manufacturing and advancing the next generation of talent.

'This honor reflects Kristen's leadership in the industry and her passion for developing the next generation of workers,' commented Tasha Ventimiglia, Americas group director at Loupe, the world's leading platform for the label and package printing industry.

Ventimiglia added that Shields has become a well-known figure in the labels and packaging world, not only as an advocate for US manufacturers, but as a mentor to women in the printing industry.

'She's been instrumental in revising our organization's scholarship application and process and continues to lead with fresh ideas and actions that make a difference,' Ventimiglia explained.

Shields began working at Graymills in 1990, a company owned by her family since 1980. Today, along with her brother, Craig Shields, who serves as CEO, Kristen leads a 50-employee operation in a 125,000 sq ft manufacturing facility in Broadview, Illinois. Under her leadership, Graymills continues to develop innovative ink pumps, metalworking pumps and parts washers critical to high-quality label and package printing.

Beyond her corporate responsibilities, Shields is recognized nationally as a leading advocate for workforce development in manufacturing. She actively supports internships, trade school partnerships and career-pathway programs that introduce young people, especially young women, to careers in printing and manufacturing.

'Workforce development is something I'm truly passionate about,' noted Shields. 'We work with local high schools and colleges to show students that manufacturing offers strong, rewarding career opportunities. Although it's very much male-dominated, there are tremendous opportunities for women in this field.'

Shields is deeply involved with the FTA's Women in Flexo program and the Illinois Manufacturers' Women Makers group, where she mentors emerging female leaders.

In accepting the award, Shields expressed gratitude to the peers and mentors who helped shape her career. 'This accomplishment would not have been possible without the lifelong friends, mentors and relationships this dynamic community has given me,' she stated.

Shields plans to continue driving innovation at Graymills, expanding its role in the label and packaging markets and investing in workforce programs that strengthen the future of American manufacturing. She expects to see growth in 2026 in specialized areas, including sustainability, and is watching changes affecting the industry, especially those dealing with regulatory affairs, flexible packaging and increasing merger and acquisition activity.