Mercury Marine, a leading manufacturer of recreational marine engines and propulsion systems, has a long and storied history in Naperville, Illinois. The company was founded in 1939 by Carl Kiekhaefer in Cedarburg, Wisconsin but eventually expanded to the town of Naperville where it has become an integral part of the community. The roots of Mercury Marine's presence in Naperville can be traced back to the early 1950s when Carl Kiekhaefer purchased land on Route 59 to build his first manufacturing plant outside of Wisconsin. At that time, this area was mostly farmland with only a few scattered businesses. However, Kiekhaefer saw potential for growth and expansion in this location due to its proximity to major highways and transportation routes. In 1955, the new facility officially opened as "Plant Two" with just over one hundred employees working on production lines for Mercury outboard motors. This marked the beginning of Mercury Marine's successful operations in Naperville which would continue to expand over the years. As demand for their products grew, so did their need for space. In 1972, Mercury Marine purchased additional land adjacent to Plant Two and built "Plant Three", doubling their manufacturing capacity in Naperville. By this time, they were producing not only outboard motors but also stern drives and other marine accessories. Throughout its history in Naperville, Mercury Marine has been committed to innovation and technological advancements. In fact, many groundbreaking developments have come from their research facility located at Plant Three including electro-hydraulic steering systems for boats and advanced control technologies such as joystick piloting. In addition to being an industry leader in technology development and product innovation, Mercury Marine has also been a strong contributor to economic growth within the city of Naperville. Over the years they have employed thousands of local residents who have helped drive success for both themselves and the company. However, like many businesses, Mercury Marine has faced challenges over the years. In 2008, during the financial crisis and recession, they announced a major restructuring plan which included consolidating their operations in Wisconsin and closing Plant Three in Naperville. This was a difficult time for both employees and the community as many feared for the loss of jobs and economic impact. Fortunately, Mercury Marine's commitment to Naperville remained strong even through this challenging period. In 2010, they opened a new state-of-the-art facility on Route 59 known as "Plant Four". This facility was built with sustainability in mind and received LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. Today, Plant Four serves as Mercury Marine's headquarters for its global marine business operations including research & development, engineering services, marketing & sales support along with other key functions such as finance and human resources. With over one million square feet of space dedicated to manufacturing facilities alone, it is an impressive sight that showcases the company's continued growth. Mercury Marine continues to be an integral part of Naperville's economy with approximately 1,200 full-time employees working at Plant Four. The company also contributes significantly to local charities and community organizations through volunteer work and donations. In recent years there have been some concerns about pollution from industrial activities at Plant Four impacting nearby residents' quality of life. However, Mercury Marine has taken steps to address these concerns by implementing environmentally friendly practices such as installing emissions control equipment on their manufacturing processes. In conclusion, Mercury Marine has had a long-standing presence in Naperville since its first plant opened over sixty-five years ago. From humble beginnings on farmland outside city limits to becoming a global leader in marine technology innovation with its headquarters located within city boundaries - their history is intertwined with that of the community itself. Through changing times and challenges faced by any large organization operating globally today; this iconic brand remains dedicated to its employees, customers and the community. As a result, Mercury Marine continues to be an important contributor to Naperville's economy, culture and quality of life.
Mercury Marine is a leading manufacturer of marine engines and propulsion systems, with a history spanning over 80 years. Founded in Wisconsin in 1939 by Carl Kiekhaefer, Mercury Marine has become synonymous with quality, innovation, and reliability in the boating industry. The company's early beginnings were humble – Kiekhaefer started out making magnetic separators for dairy farms before transitioning to producing outboard motors for boats. In its first year of operations, Mercury Marine produced just six motors. However, through determination and perseverance, the company grew rapidly and soon became a major player in the marine industry. One of the key factors contributing to Mercury Marine's success was its commitment to continuous innovation. The company was quick to adopt new technologies and techniques that allowed it to produce more powerful and efficient engines. In 1940, Mercury introduced its first four-cylinder engine – an innovative design at the time that set new standards for performance and reliability. Throughout the decades that followed, Mercury continued to push boundaries with its engineering prowess. In the 1960s, they developed their first V6 engine model which revolutionized boat racing by providing unprecedented speed on water. This led them to dominate many prestigious races such as Miami-Nassau offshore powerboat race where all top three positions were taken by boats powered by Mercury engines. In addition to their advancements in technology and performance capabilities, safety has always been a priority for Mercury Marine. They have implemented numerous safety features into their products such as low oil sensors and exhaust backpressure relief valves which help prevent engine failure while also protecting boaters from potential hazards on water. As demand for faster speeds increased throughout the years so did competition within this niche market segment; however this did not deter mercury’s engineers who continued developing high-performance models like Verado®, OptiMax® Direct Fuel Injection (DFI) technology or Pro XS™ series aimed at fishing enthusiasts chasing after elusive trophy fish. Mercury Marine's success has also been attributed to its strong partnerships with boat manufacturers. The company works closely with leading boat brands such as Sea Ray, Boston Whaler, and Bayliner to provide customized engine packages that are specifically designed for their boats. These collaborations have allowed Mercury to expand its market reach and cater to a diverse range of boating enthusiasts. Over the years, Mercury Marine has continued to diversify its product offerings beyond outboard motors. They now produce sterndrive engines for larger vessels, inboard motors for high-performance boats, and even propulsion systems for commercial ships. This expansion has solidified Mercury’s position as an industry leader in marine technology. In recent years, the company has also made significant strides towards sustainability by incorporating environmentally-friendly features into their products. For example, they developed the world’s first four-stroke outboard motor that meets ultra-low-emission standards set by both the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and California Air Resources Board (CARB). Today, Mercury Marine is a global brand with a presence in over 100 countries around the world. Their engines power everything from recreational watercrafts to military vessels and commercial fishing boats. The company's commitment to quality and innovation remains unwavering – they continue to invest heavily in research and development to stay ahead of competition while providing customers with top-of-the-line products. Moreover,Mercury is not just focused on manufacturing superior products but also believes in giving back through various philanthropic initiatives aimed at improving local communities where they operate.It supports organizations like Habitat for Humanity which helps build homes for families in need,and partners up with other non-profit organizations such as CaptainsForCleanWater which advocates against water pollution caused by toxic algae blooms.Together these efforts show that corporate responsibility lies at heart of mercury’s values. In addition to its impact on the marine industry,Mercury Marine also contributes significantly to local economies.Their operations create jobs and support businesses in the communities where they are located.They also have a strong dealer network that provides sales and service for their products, further boosting economic growth in these areas. Despite its long history and success, Mercury Marine continues to look towards the future. The company is embracing new technologies such as electric propulsion systems and investing in research on sustainable alternatives to traditional fuels. They are also actively working towards reducing waste and increasing energy efficiency in their manufacturing processes. In conclusion, Mercury Marine has established itself as a leader in the marine industry through its dedication to innovation, quality, and sustainability. From humble beginnings to global recognition, the company's journey is a testament to its commitment to excellence. With over 80 years of experience under its belt, there is no doubt that Mercury Marine will continue to shape the future of boating for many years to come.
Mercury Marine is a leading manufacturer of marine engines and propulsion systems, with its headquarters located in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. However, the company has a significant history in Naperville, Illinois. In 1939, Carl Kiekhaefer founded Kiekhaefer Corporation in Cedarburg, Wisconsin. The company initially produced magnetic separators for the dairy industry but soon expanded into manufacturing small two-stroke outboard motors. By 1945, the company had grown significantly and moved to larger facilities in Milwaukee. In 1946, Kiekhaefer Corporation acquired a factory building on Chicago Avenue in Naperville as part of their expansion plans. This facility became known as Plant #1 and was used for research and development activities for outboard motors. Kiekhaefer continued to expand his business over the next decade by acquiring other companies and developing new products such as stern drives and sterndrive-powered boats. In 1957, he changed the name of his company to Mercury Marine to reflect the popularity of its Mercury brand outboards. As Mercury Marine grew rapidly throughout the 1960s and 1970s, so did its operations in Naperville. In addition to expanding Plant #1 several times over this period, they also built additional plants that specialized in producing specific parts or components for their products. One notable example was Plant #2 which opened in early 1968. This facility primarily produced aluminum castings for use in outboard motor production. At peak operation during this time period it employed around 400 people. By the late-1980s however Mercury's growth began slowing down due largely to increased competition from Japanese manufacturers who were offering lower priced alternatives than what were being made by US-based manufacturers like Mercury Marine at that time (primarily because Japan's currency had appreciated greatly vs US dollar). Despite these challenges facing them during this time frame though; some bright spots remained, including Mercury's acquisition of Force Outboards in 1984 (which was then based out of Waukegan Illinois). This provided them with a lower-cost line of outboards to offer dealers and consumers. In 1990 they also acquired Kiekhaefer Aeromarine which expanded their product offering into the high-performance boat market. In 2007, Brunswick Corporation purchased Mercury Marine from its previous owner, Freedom Group Inc. Naperville remained an important location for the company as it continued to produce parts and components for various products. Today, Mercury Marine still maintains a presence in Naperville. The company's global headquarters may be located in Wisconsin, but their local facility on Chicago Avenue is focused on engineering and testing new products. Additionally, the company has invested over $10 million into expanding its operations at this location within recent years; adding manufacturing capabilities as well. Overall; while much has changed at Mercury Marine since it first established operations in Naperville nearly 75 years ago - one thing remains constant: their commitment to delivering high-quality marine engines that are built to withstand harsh conditions out on the waterways by boaters around world today!
Naperville, Illinois is a city located in DuPage and Will counties, just 28 miles west of Chicago. With a population of over 148,000 residents, it is the fifth largest city in the state of Illinois. Naperville has been consistently ranked as one of the best places to live in the United States due to its strong economy, excellent schools, and high quality of life. The history of Naperville dates back to the early 1800s when Joseph Naper settled on the banks of the DuPage River and established a grist mill. The town was officially incorporated in 1857 and named after its founder. In its early years, Naperville primarily relied on agriculture for its economy with farms producing crops such as wheat, corn, oats and dairy products. However, with the arrival of railroads in the late 19th century and construction of Route 66 in the mid-1920s, Naperville experienced significant growth. This led to an increase in manufacturing industries which helped diversify its economy. Today, Naperville is known for having a strong business community with numerous large corporations such as BP America Inc., Nicor Gas Company and Tellabs Inc., headquartered within its borders. Its thriving local economy also includes small businesses that contribute to both job creation and economic stability. One key factor contributing to Naperville's success is its highly educated workforce. The city has top-rated public schools including several nationally recognized high schools such as Neuqua Valley High School which ranks among US News & World Report's Best High Schools list year after year. In addition to education opportunities at primary levels,Napervile also boasts two highly acclaimed post-secondary institutions: North Central College -a private liberal arts college founded by Methodists (estd:1861),and DePaul University’s satellite campus – part time MBA program; these educational institutions attract students from all over Illinois making it an attractive destination for young professionals. Naperville is also home to a vibrant and diverse community with a strong sense of civic pride. It offers its residents an abundance of recreational activities such as hiking, biking, boating, golfing and more. The city's extensive park system includes over 130 parks spread across 2,400 acres of land which provide ample opportunities for outdoor recreation and family-friendly fun. One of the most notable attractions in Naperville is its historic downtown area. The bustling Main Street is lined with charming shops, restaurants and local businesses housed in beautifully preserved buildings dating back to the late 19th century. Downtown Naperville has been recognized as one of the best downtown areas in the country by multiple publications including Forbes magazine. In addition to its thriving economy and excellent quality of life,Napervile has also gained recognition for being a safe city. In fact, it was named as one of America’s safest cities by USA Today in 2019 based on low crime rates reported by the FBI. Despite all its accomplishments,Naperville continues to focus on improving its infrastructure and services for its residents. For instance,the city recently completed construction on a state-of-the-art water treatment facility that serves over 100,000 customers; this project was part of a larger initiative aimed at providing sustainable resources for future generations. In conclusion,Naperville stands out as both an attractive residential destination and booming economic hub within Illinois.Its rich history,promising business prospects,and high-quality education make it an ideal place for families looking to settle down or entrepreneurs seeking new opportunities.The city's continuous efforts towards growth,sustainability,and community engagement only add to its appeal,making it truly deserving of all accolades received thus far.As we look towards the future,it comes without saying that Napervile will continue making strides while maintaining its charm,making it an exceptional place to call home.
Mercury Marine is a company that has been making waves in the marine industry for over 80 years. From its humble beginnings as a small machine shop to becoming one of the world's leading manufacturers of boat engines and accessories, Mercury Marine has had a long and successful history. The story of Mercury Marine began in 1939 when Carl Kiekhaefer purchased an old factory building in Cedarburg, Wisconsin with the intention of starting his own business. At the time, Kiekhaefer was just a young engineer who had recently graduated from engineering school. He saw potential in this small factory and decided to take a chance on it. Initially, Kiekhaefer's plan was to manufacture magnetic separators for dairy farms but he soon realized that there wasn't enough demand for them. However, being an avid boater himself, he noticed that many recreational boats were powered by unreliable engines at that time. This sparked an idea - why not build better boat engines? And thus, Mercury Marine was born. In 1940, Kiekhaefer introduced his first product - the "B" outboard engine which was designed to be more durable and efficient than other existing models on the market. The success of this engine laid the foundation for future developments at Mercury Marine. As World War II broke out, production at Mercury Marine shifted towards supporting war efforts by manufacturing motors for landing craft vessels used by Allied forces during D-Day landings. Afterwards, with returning soldiers looking for leisure activities like boating and fishing after their service ended, there was a surge in demand for recreational boats and engines – which worked perfectly well with Kiekhaefer’s plans. With growing popularity came expansion opportunities; in 1946 Mercury moved its operations from Cedarburg to Fond du Lac where it remains headquartered today. In addition to expanding its physical presence through new facilities across North America throughout the ‘50s & ‘60s, Mercury also expanded its product line to include inboard engines and sterndrives. The 1960s saw the introduction of the “Kiekhaefer Aeromarine” division – which was later rebranded as Mercury Racing. This division focused on developing high-performance racing engines for powerboat competitions, eventually leading to multiple world records and championships. The success of this division not only brought recognition to Mercury Marine but also contributed significantly to advancements in marine engine technology. In the 1970s, environmental concerns regarding pollution from two-stroke outboard motors led to a decline in sales for many manufacturers. However, Mercury Marine continued to innovate and develop more efficient and environmentally friendly four-stroke engines that met stricter emissions standards. This laid the foundation for their dominance in today’s outboard market where they hold over 40% share. Throughout the next few decades, Mercury Marine underwent several ownership changes; from being owned by Brunswick Corporation since 1961 until it became an independent company again following a spin-off in 2005. Under new leadership with Mark Schwabero at the helm as President & CEO since 2008 (who retired earlier this year), investments were made into expanding research & development efforts along with capacity expansions globally. In addition, acquisitions like Swedish brand Alumacraft Boats added additional capabilities within their portfolio further solidifying its position as a leader within boating industry. Today, Mercury Marine continues to be an industry leader with innovative products such as Joystick Piloting systems that make boating easier than ever before while continually pushing boundaries through cutting-edge technology like VesselView Mobile - which allows boat owners remote access using smartphones or tablets- helping elevate overall customer experience on top of providing superior performance characteristics expected from their products whether used for recreational or commercial purposes. Despite facing challenges throughout its history such as economic recessions and changing consumer preferences towards other forms of recreation – one thing that has remained constant is Mercury Marine's commitment to quality, performance, and innovation. With a global presence in over 100 countries and employing more than 7,000 people worldwide – it continues to be the go-to brand for boaters around the world. In conclusion, Mercury Marine's journey from a small machine shop in Wisconsin to becoming an industry leader with a global footprint has been nothing short of remarkable. Its dedication to excellence and continuous drive for innovation have allowed it to stay ahead of competitors and remain at the forefront of marine technology. As we look towards the future, there is no doubt that Mercury Marine will continue making waves in the industry for many years to come.
Mercury Marine is a company that has a rich history dating back to 1939. It was founded by Carl Kiekhaefer, an engineer and entrepreneur who had a passion for building high-performance engines. Kiekhaefer started the company with just $2,000 in capital and a small shop in Cedarburg, Wisconsin. He initially focused on building magnetic separators for the dairy industry but soon shifted his focus to marine engines after receiving a request from an outboard motor boat club looking for lightweight racing motors. In 1940, Kiekhaefer successfully built his first outboard motor - the Mercury KD-1, which became known as "The Thorobred." The engine was compact, light-weight and powerful - making it ideal for racing competitions. This led to immediate success as racers began breaking speed records with these new Mercury engines. During World War II, Mercury Marine contributed significantly to the war effort by producing motors for landing craft used in amphibious assaults. After the war ended, Kiekhaefer turned his attention back to recreational boating and expanded his product line beyond racing engines. In 1950, Mercury introduced its first mass-produced consumer outboard motor - the Mark 25 Golden Anniversary Super Ten. This engine quickly gained popularity among boaters due to its reliability and performance capabilities. Throughout the years, Mercury continued to innovate and introduce new technologies such as electric starters (1956), multiple carburetors (1964), power steering (1973) and electronic fuel injection (1984). These advancements helped solidify Mercury's reputation as one of the top manufacturers of marine engines in the world. In addition to outboard motors, Mercury also expanded its product line into sterndrive systems in 1961 with their MerCruiser brand. This allowed them to reach a wider range of customers including those who preferred larger boats or needed more power than what an outboard motor could provide. In 1973, Mercury Marine was acquired by the Brunswick Corporation and became a division of the company. This partnership allowed for continued growth and expansion of product lines, including the introduction of inboard engines in 1996 and diesel engines in 2003. Today, Mercury Marine is headquartered in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin and employs over 7,000 people worldwide. They continue to be a leader in marine propulsion systems with their extensive range of outboard motors, sterndrives, diesel engines and accessories. Over the years, Mercury has also been heavily involved in competitive racing events such as Formula One Powerboat Racing and NASCAR. Their commitment to high-performance technology can be seen through their various partnerships with top racing teams around the world. Mercury Marine's dedication to innovation and quality has led them to become one of the most recognized names in boating. With over 80 years of experience under their belt, they continue to push boundaries and strive towards providing customers with reliable and powerful marine products for all types of boating needs.
Naperville, Illinois is a charming city located in the western suburbs of Chicago. It has a rich history that dates back to the early 1800s when it was first settled by European immigrants. Over the years, Naperville has transformed from a small farming community into a thriving and prosperous city with a strong sense of community. Early Settlement The first known inhabitants of Naperville were Native American tribes such as the Potawatomi and Miami who used the land for hunting and fishing. In 1831, Joseph Naper, along with his brother John Naper and other settlers from Ohio, arrived in what is now known as Naperville. They purchased over 2,000 acres of land from the local Native American tribe for $1.25 an acre. The town was named after Joseph Naper who also served as its first postmaster. The initial settlement consisted of just seven families but grew quickly due to its prime location near DuPage River which provided water for agriculture and transportation. Growth and Development In 1855, Naperville became an incorporated village with about 900 residents. The railroad played a significant role in Naperville’s growth as it connected the town to Chicago making it easier for people to commute between both cities. As more people moved to Naperville seeking opportunities in agriculture or trade, new businesses were established including mills, grain elevators, banks, hotels and stores which helped boost the local economy. Education also played an important role in shaping the development of Naperville. In 1856,the North-Western College (now known as North Central College) was founded here which attracted students from all over Illinois. Today,North Central College remains one of top liberal arts colleges in Midwest region offering undergraduate programs in various fields including business,social sciences,and fine arts. Modernization By late 19th century,Napervillle had become one of most modern towns outside of Chicago with amenities such as a telephone system,electricity,and natural gas. It also had its first newspaper,the Naperville Clarion which provided residents with local news and events. The 20th century brought further advancements to Naperville including the establishment of city’s first hospital in 1911, expansion of the Central DuPage Hospital in 1964 and construction of Edward Hospital in 1991. Today,Naperville has several top-ranked hospitals serving not only its own residents but also those living nearby suburbs. In recent years, Naperville has experienced rapid growth and development due to its strong economy and excellent quality of life. The population has increased from about 7,000 people in the early 1950s to over 145,000 today,making it one of fastest growing cities in Illinois. Community One aspect that sets Naperville apart is its strong sense of community. This can be traced back to the town's early days when settlers came together for social activities like barn raising parties or church services. This spirit continues today through various community events and festivals such as Ribfest, Last Fling,and Naper Nights Concert Series which bring together people from all walks of life. Napervillle is also known for its active civic engagement with numerous volunteer organizations dedicated to improving the lives of others within their community. The city has been recognized nationally for its outstanding volunteerism efforts,civic involvement,and high levels philanthropy by several publications including Money Magazine,CNN,Municipal Volunteer Program Awards,Governing magazine among others. Conclusion Today,Napervillle stands as a thriving modern city that values its rich history while embracing progress.Numerous buildings,parks,fountains,and monuments have been preserved as remindersofthe pastwhile new developments have been made keeping up with changing times. Its vibrant downtown area offers diverse dining options,boutique shopping options along “Main Street”and beautiful Riverwalk park where visitors can enjoy scenic views, outdoor activities and occasional events. Naperville’s journey from a small farming community to one of the best places to live in United States is truly remarkable. Its history showcases the resilience,determination,and hard work of its early settlers who built a strong foundation for future generations. Today, Naperville continues to attract people from all over the world as it offers not only economic opportunities but also an unparalleled quality of life.
Naperville, Illinois is a suburban city located about 30 miles west of Chicago. It is the fifth largest city in the state and has a rich history that dates back to the early 19th century. The area where Naperville now stands was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Potawatomi and Kickapoo. The first European settlers arrived in the early 1830s, establishing homesteads along the DuPage River. One of these early settlers was Joseph Naper, who purchased land from local tribes and built a grist mill on the river's west bank. This settlement became known as "Naper's Settlement" and later "Naperville." Incorporated in 1857, Naperville quickly grew into an agricultural hub with its fertile prairie land ideal for farming. Its location along two major railroads also contributed to its growth and development. During the late 19th century, Naperville saw significant improvements such as paved roads, electric streetlights, telephones, and a waterworks system. In addition to agriculture, manufacturing industries began to emerge in Naperville during this time. In the early 20th century, Naperville experienced several devastating fires that destroyed much of its downtown area. However, these disasters led to modernization efforts such as building new brick structures instead of wooden ones. After World War II, Naperville experienced another period of rapid growth due to an influx of young families seeking affordable housing outside of Chicago's urban areas. This population boom continued through the late 20th century when many large corporations established headquarters or regional offices in Naperville. Today,Napervilleremainsa thriving communitywithahighqualityof lifeandstrongeconomy.Manyofits historicalbuildingshavebeenpreserved,andarenow home totrendy shopsandrestaurantsinthe vibrantdowntownarea.Napervillemaintainsasenseofhistorythroughannualfestivalsand events, such as the Naperville Riverwalk Fine Art Fair and the Naper Nights Concert Series. In recent years, Naperville has received national recognition for its livability. It was ranked as one of the best places to live in America by Money Magazine multiple times, and it consistently ranks high on lists of safest cities in the country. Despite its growth and modernization, Naperville remains committed to preserving its history. The city has several historical sites and museums that offer a glimpse into its past, including Naper Settlement – a living history museum featuring restored homes and buildings from the 19th century. The DuPage Children's Museum also offers interactive exhibits that teach visitors about local history. Naperville continues to grow and evolve while honoring its past. With a strong sense of community, thriving economy, and rich history,Naperville is truly a special place to call home.
Mercury Marine is a well-known company in the marine industry, with its headquarters located in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. However, many people may not be aware that Mercury Marine has a significant history in Naperville, Illinois. The city of Naperville played an integral role in the growth and success of this renowned company. The story of Mercury Marine’s presence in Naperville began back in 1939 when Carl Kiekhaefer founded his company Kiekhaefer Corporation. At that time, he was manufacturing magnetic separators for dairy farms but had a background and interest in mechanical engineering. In 1940, Kiekhaefer decided to venture into the outboard motor business after buying an outboard engine that did not meet his expectations. Initially headquartered in Cedarburg, Wisconsin, Kiekhaefer Corporation faced numerous challenges as it tried to establish itself as a major player in the marine industry. It was during these early years that the company created its first boat motor prototype – called “Iron Horse” – which significantly improved upon existing designs at that time. In 1946, things took a turn for better when Harold Anderle joined the team as head engineer and moved operations from Cedarburg to Chicago Heights before eventually settling on Aurora Avenue (now Ogden Avenue)in Naperville. This move enabled Kiekhaefer Corporation to take advantage of skilled labor force available within Chicago metropolitan area while being close enough to Lake Michigan - one of America’s prime boating areas at that time. Naperville proved to be an ideal location for Mercury Marine’s operations due to several factors such as access to transportation routes like U.S Route 66 and availability of affordable land for expansion purposes. Additionally,Naperville also provided easy access to raw materials needed for production through nearby suppliers located along Ogden Avenue. With growing demand from recreational boaters and commercial fishing industries alike,Kiekaheffer corporation continued to innovate and expand, eventually becoming the world's largest manufacturer of outboard motors. In 1950, Kiekhaefer Corporation officially changed its name to Mercury Marine as it expanded into other marine products such as sterndrive engines. The 1960s marked a significant period for Mercury Marine in Naperville with the construction of a new headquarters on Route 59. This state-of-the-art facility housed engineering, testing, manufacturing,and administrative operations all under one roof – allowing for increased efficiency and productivity. At this time,Naperville had become known as “the crossroads of technology” due to the presence of several high-tech companies like Bell Labs and Western Electric. Throughout the years, Mercury Marine continued to grow and thrive in Naperville with constant advancements in technology and product innovation. The company’s commitment to quality and customer satisfaction earned them a loyal following among boaters worldwide. In addition to its contributions within the marine industry,Mercury Marine has also been an active member of the Naperville community through various philanthropic endeavors. For instance,in 1992,the company donated $1 million towards building a state-of-the-art science center at North Central College – which was named after Carl Kiekhaefer himself - further solidifying their ties with the city. Today,Mercury Marine continues to operate out of its modern facility on Route 59 in Naperville while maintaining strong connections with Fond du Lac,Wisconsin where they have another major production facility.Additionally,the company has expanded globally with numerous subsidiaries around the world,but their roots remain firmly planted in Naperville where it all began over eight decades ago. In conclusion,the history of Mercury Marine’s presence in Naperville is one that showcases determination,resilience,and innovation.Their success story serves as an inspiration not only within the marine industry but also for many businesses looking to establish themselves in new territories.Napervi
Mercury Marine is a global leader in the manufacturing of marine engines and propulsion systems. Founded in 1939, the company has been at the forefront of innovation and technology for over 80 years. With its headquarters located in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, Mercury Marine operates eight manufacturing facilities around the world including in China, Japan, Mexico, and Belgium. The History of Mercury Marine: In 1939 Carl Kiekhaefer purchased a bankrupt engine manufacturer called Cedarburg Manufacturing Company which produced outboard motors. He renamed it to Kiekhaefer Corporation with an initial capital investment of just $2,500. The first motor produced by Kiekhaefer was a lightweight two-cylinder that could be easily mounted on small boats. In 1940, during World War II, Kiekhaefer Corporation received a contract from the US government to produce chainsaws for military purposes. This provided much-needed revenue for the company and enabled them to expand their production capabilities. After World War II ended in 1945, there was an excess supply of chainsaws leading to reduced demand. In order to stay in business, Carl turned his focus back to producing outboard motors under the brand name “Mercury”. The first Mercury branded motor was introduced at a boat show held in New York City’s Grand Central Palace. By 1960s Mercury had become one of America's most popular brands with multiple models being sold across different horsepower ranges – from smaller ones designed for fishing boats up until larger models suitable for high-speed racing boats. Throughout its history, Mercury Marine has continued to innovate new products such as stern drives (inboard/outboard), electronic fuel injection technology (EFI), four-stroke engines and more recently joystick piloting systems which allow boaters precise control when docking or navigating through tight spaces. Recent Developments: In recent years under parent company Brunswick Corporation’s leadership since acquisition back in 1961, Mercury Marine has continued to expand its global reach. In 2018, the company opened a new state-of-the-art $10 million headquarters in Florida. This facility serves as the base for operations in the Southeastern United States and Latin America. In addition to this, there have also been significant investments made by Mercury Marine in research and development (R&D) with over $1 billion being spent on R&D since 2009 alone. This investment has resulted in numerous technological advancements such as advanced joystick piloting systems, digitally controlled engines, and more efficient fuel economy. Environmental Sustainability: Mercury Marine is committed to reducing its environmental impact through various initiatives including reducing emissions from their products and manufacturing processes. The company's sustainability efforts are evident through their production of cleaner burning engines which emit lower levels of carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons (HC), nitrogen oxide (NOx), particulate matter (PM) and other air pollutants compared to older models. In addition to this, Mercury Marine has implemented sustainable practices within its manufacturing facilities such as using renewable energy sources like solar power and recycling waste materials. The company also collaborates with organizations like The Ocean Foundation and Clean Lakes Alliance to promote clean waterways around the world. Product Range: Mercury Marine offers a wide range of products including outboard motors ranging from 2 horsepower up until 600 horsepower along with sterndrive/inboard motors producing up until 430 horsepower. These are available across different categories such as FourStroke Pro XS®, Verado®, SeaPro™ among others designed for recreational boating or commercial use depending on customer preferences. The Future of Mercury Marine: As we look towards the future, it is clear that innovation will continue to be at the heart of Mercury Marine’s growth strategy. With an ever-growing demand for more environmentally friendly marine propulsion systems coupled with advancements in technology such as artificial intelligence and electric/hybrid propulsion options – there is no doubt that Mercury Marine will continue to push boundaries and remain a leader in the marine industry. Conclusion: In conclusion, Mercury Marine has established itself as a pioneer in the marine industry with its long history of innovation and commitment to environmental sustainability. With continued investments in R&D and expansion into new markets, it is evident that this company will continue to shape the future of boating for years to come. As technology evolves, we can expect even more advanced propulsion systems from Mercury Marine making boating safer, more efficient and enjoyable for all.