Graphic Controls' purchase strengthens position. (Graphic Controls Corp.'s acquisition of Devon Industries Inc.)

Graphic Controls Corp. has embarked on a journey that could almost double sales within the next five years.

The company has agreed to purchase a major manufacturer of operating room supplies and is considering two other purchases, including one that returns some focus to the company's industrial product lines.

"We would like to expand at the rate of 15 percent or higher per year," said Duane Hopper, president and CEO of the Buffalo-based medical products manufacturer. "Part of that will be acquisition, part of that will be internal growth, part of that will be new product lines."

Graphic Controls has launched that growth strategy by purchasing Devon …