In the late 1940's Mr. Judson Coates wanted to develop a tubular infra-red or radiant heater. In conjunction with H.A.Merrick, Mr. Coates spent a long period of development until the early 1950's when the Merco heat tube, as it is known today, was developed to a production stage. The name Merco was derived from the names, Merrick & Coates, MerCo.
1950-1957 Several co's started bearing the Merco name.
1956 Merco Products was formed in Eugene, OR for the purpose of selling food service equipment and farm & industrial heaters.
1957 Merco moved into a building on Bethel Dr in Eugene.
1959 Merco started own manufacturing.
1960 The building was moved across the street to 1298 Bethel Dr. Several additions and remodels to the original building were made over the years.
1982 Merged into ALCO Foodservice Equipment Co.
1985 Acquired by the Welbilt Corp.
1994 Moved into the Savory plant in Lakewood, NJ.
1998 Moved to Ft Wayne, IN to the Lincoln plant.
