Merritt Woodwork
Merritt Woodwork has been in business for more than forty three years. Founded in 1972 in Mentor, Ohio, by the late George A. Merritt, the company has evolved from handling local residential commissions to taking full responsibility for the interior woodwork of some of America’s most prestigious residences.
Today George A. Merritt’s sons, Michael and Keith, maintain the family’s principled commitment to uniting the most talented craft specialists with the most up-to-date systems in order to exceed the expectations of a demanding clientele.
The company is a manufacturer of custom high end architectural millwork and cabinetry for very high end specific niche markets. They have a highly recognized expertise in craftsmanship throughout the markets they serve, which includes markets all across the United States. The typical client for Merritt Woodwork is the extremely high end net worth individual residential properties looking for art quality wood workmanship. The company has grown the business considerably over the nearly forty years since its founding by the father of current owners Michael and Keith Merritt by concentrating on two primary markets.
The most extensive market is the high end luxury residential application which includes a minimum of 12,000 square foot properties with both new construction and extensive renovations. Along with woodworking for these properties Merritt provides consulting and procurement services. Their scope of work often includes, in addition to the woodwork, carpentry, metal work, glass work, stone work and decorative finishes. They routinely work in exclusive residential enclaves including Toronto, Boston, Manhattan, The Hamptons, Greenwich, Palm Beach, Naples, Aspen, San Francisco and Beverly Hills.
The company also serves the private yacht market with similar services and products. The customary minimum yacht size is 150 feet. Merritt will prepare the complete interior of the vessel for a new build, to complete refit services for an existing vessel.
Merritt’s Headquarters and largest manufacturing plants are in Mentor, Ohio, but the Merritt Family of Companies has operations in Germany, New Jersey, Florida and Wisconsin. In early 2016 Merritt will have an operation in California.
Merritt Woodwork used three SBA 504 loans to refinance their two facilities in Mentor and equipment in order free up working capital for the company’s expansion needs. As a result of this loan program and their strategic position in the market, The Merritt Family of Companies has grown significantly. Revenues are up over 25% in the last 4 years to a projected $42 million in 2015.
The company also experienced a workforce growth that has more than doubled from 120 to 250 employees over the past 4 years.
The goal is flawless execution of the architect’s and designer’s concept – on schedule, within budget, without exception. Merritt’s dedicated team includes architects, engineers, ACAD detailers, 3D modelers, project managers, cabinet makers, finishers, machinists, operators, traffic and delivery specialists and on-site superintendents and carpenters.
Though having expanded from a hands-on, two-man operation to an organization of over two hundred and fifty, Merritt Woodwork still embodies the devotion to craft and the perfectionism of an intimate family business.