Merco Inc., doing business as Merco Marine, was established in 1979 as a small part time business started by Jon and Jim Meriwether, father and son. The original focus of Merco back in 1979 was sales of paint, hot tubs, the very first model Jet Ski introduced, and a few other items. It wasnt until 1993 when Mercos true mission was developed.
"To produce quality dock products at a reasonable price with on time and courteous service utilizing U.S. employees." -Mercos Mission
Both Jon and Jim had years of experience in dock building. The first couple years were spent selling hardware and floats from another manufacturer out of a small office and rented warehouse in downtown Wellsburg, WV. Sheila Barrett came on board almost at the beginning doing sales, accounting, and office management.
In the fall of 1995 Merco Marine moved to its present 5 acre location and built a 2-story office complex and a 50 x 40 warehouse. It was at that time, Merco started to manufacture its own hardware and new_planttruss frames. In 1996 another 50 x 100 warehouse was built to act as a bigger warehouse and shipping department. In 1998 a 60 x 125 manufacturing building was added to produce dock hardware. In the summer of 2001 a 90 x 125 was built to be used for product storage. The most recent building 50 x 84 was added in the summer of 2006 to be used for raw materials storage such as flat steel plates, pipe, angle iron. Merco now has over 30,000 square feet indoors. Merco also has an outdoor fenced in area for storage of hundreds of float drums, an outdoor roofed area for lumber storage, 122 mini storage units, and a 2 story 34 x 81 garage that is currently rented to a contracting company.
When Merco was started, we decided that there were several principles that the business would adhere to: all taxes and bills would be paid on time, we would be honest, knowledgeable and courteous with our customers, and we would run our business honestly and would treat our employees fairly and share our business success with them. Because of these principles that we have adhered to, Merco Marine has been more than successful.