2023 marked Grayhill’s 80th anniversary. In celebration of our origins, we’re spotlighting the Series 1 Rotary Switch—a pivotal product that defined the company’s inception. In the early 1940s, Ralph Hill and Gordon Gray started a company in Riverside, Illinois, originating from a converted gas station.
The catalyst for the Series 1 Rotary Switch emerged when Woodward Governor, a military contractor, sought a custom rotary tap switch for submarines. The switch Woodward Governor was asking for did not exist, so Hill and Gray undertook the challenge, designing a Thermos-sized, robust switch that could withstand harsh conditions.
By 1943, the Series 1 Rotary Switch was successfully shipped, leading to the establishment of Grayhill Inc. This rotary switch, characterized by its durable design and ability to endure years of abuse, played a crucial role in military submarines in World War II. The partnership with Woodward Governor marked a transformative moment, propelling Grayhill into the realm of high-quality electronic switches, where it continues to provide innovative solutions for customers. The Series 1 Rotary Switch remains an enduring symbol of Grayhill’s commitment to meeting customer demands and solving challenges.
Bolstered by nearly a century of experience, we have a clear roadmap for the future, and we’re getting there step by step. We are forging the path to a better tomorrow not just by building to last, but by innovating to improve how humans interact with machines.
