A new FedEx distribution center in Pontiac, MI will open soon, thanks to long time Associated Builders and Contractors Southeastern Michigan (ABC SEMI) member, Merlo Construction. It took the better part of a year to complete this high-profile job, but as the company grows so does the scale of jobs it bids on.
In 2017, Merlo Construction employed roughly 80 people, today they employ nearly 120. With their workforce growing by 33 percent in just 2 years, this job served as a training ground for new hires.
“About a third of our overall workforce was on site at the FedEx distribution center, which led to our newer guys picking up skills and techniques much faster from our more veteran employees,” said Brian Misaras, Operations Manager.
Through record breaking low temperatures and blistering heat waves, Merlo Construction made sure the job stayed on track even after the end date was moved up by two months. Working long 12-hour days, six days a week no matter the weather is sometimes just what it takes to get the job done.
“The men working on site persisted through -10 degree temperatures and even spikes of 98 degree temperatures,” said Misaras.
When the summer hits, Co-founders Perry and Ray Merlo like to remind their employees that it was 2 brothers that started this family business and a family business they will always be. This year, the Merlo Construction annual BBQ was relocated to the FedEx distribution center job site.
“It serves as a norm,” said Misaras. “Families eat together all the time and this gives our guys a chance to catch up with each other.”
Following in the footsteps of their father and grandfather, Perry and Ray Merlo founded Merlo Construction Company, Inc. in 1991. Thanks to their dynamic vision and strong work ethic, Merlo Construction has evolved from a small concrete contractor into a company that can offer a vast scope of work including demolition, earthwork, utilities, concrete foundations, interior flatwork, site concrete, and curb and gutter. This diverse range of services saves our customers time, energy, and the cost of using several subcontractors on the same project.
