Family owned T.G. Mercer enjoys a loyal work force with many second- and third-generation employees.

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T.G. Mercer has enjoyed a nearly century-long history of family ownership. Although the firm has weathered a number of ups and downs through the years, its historical roots and long-time customers have provided a solid foundation for continued success, CEO George Mercer says.

This privately owned business is not only a part of the Mercer family, but it is also an important part of many other families, as well. “We have several second- and third-generation employees working for us right now,” Mercer says.

The Weatherford, Texas-based company was founded in 1910 by T.E. Mercer, the CEO’s great-grandfather, and started as a modest pipe-hauling operation.

The founder hauled pipe using more than 1,000 mules, serving customers throughout Texas and southern Louisiana. “It took quite a lot of people back then, as opposed to today,” Mercer says. “But, as the industry progressed over the years, he increased production by making people more productive and less dependent on antiquated methods.”

In the late-1970s, Mercer’s father, Tommy Mercer, was in charge of moving all pipe – 800 miles worth of 48-inch pipe – to the Alaska Pipeline project. The job also included 280 miles of 16-inch pipe, Mercer notes. “This was one of the largest projects ever undertaken in our industry,” he says.

During this time, as the trucking industry was deregulated, the firm transitioned from trucking to logistics. “We began focusing on helping our clients determine the best ways to move pipe from the mill to their project locations,” Mercer says. “We were providing services to handle the pipe once it arrived at the location, as well.”

Challenging Projects
T.G. Mercer has participated in some of the largest pipeline projects in the country throughout the years, and has grown to gain a strong reputation for success, Mercer asserts.

This year, the firm is participating in the Gulf Crossing project across Texas and Louisiana, which comprises 350 miles of 42-inch steel pipe. “Each piece weighs between 18,000 and 24,000 pounds,” Mercer says. “The project requires that we use special equipment that will not damage the protective coating on the pipe.” The company utilized large excavators with a vacuum attachment which, Mercer says, is safer and faster.

The key to completing these large-scale projects successfully is to station the right people in the right places to receive the pipe and successfully handle it. “Our clients are using just in time delivery in some cases,” Mercer says. “It’s important for the owners to get the pipe on the ground on time, because their costs are astronomical. It’s important that we be in the right location at the right time.”

Safety First
T.G. Mercer stresses safety in all operations, and continually evaluates its programs. “We’re constantly revising and improving our safety program and, as we’ve grown, we’ve hired more and more safety representatives,” Mercer explains. “They work on safety compliance issues, and are always trying to improve our program.”

When it comes time to hire new employees, the firm strives to hire skilled workers with a high level of previous experience. Although it is not always easy to find the right people, the firm focuses on hiring people with experience in related fields. “We want to find the right skilled workers with skills that can apply to our industry,” Mercer explains. “We have no problem providing the training they may need to move on.”

Well-Equipped
In addition, the firm owns its own fleet of equipment, valued at approximately $5.5 million. With approximately 85 trucks and trailers and 30 pieces of equipment, the firm enjoys direct control over each project.  “We know exactly what we have in our inventory, and what assets we can apply to each project,” Mercer says. “One of the biggest challenges in this industry is the availability of equipment, so owning our own fleet gives us a distinct advantage.”

The company is also better able to manage scheduling and budget issues. In fact, the firm recently completed a project $2 million under budget. “The client was very pleased with our performance,” Mercer notes.