1990
Merlin Equipment was established by (the late) John Hortop in 1990 as a partnership in the river side town of Goring-On-Thames (UK). Originally the focus of the business was in distributing niche market products for the marine sector such as shaft seals, turbo oilers and a product we still market today - FloScan Fuel Monitoring Computers.
In the mid 1990's as the company grew in size it relocated to Wallingford (Oxon). Through this decade, the activity of the business expanded - selling power conversion products (such as DC to AC inverters), with the range ultimately extending to include everything necessary to install an auxiliary electrical system on a boat or a special vehicle such as an ambulance. Merlin became exclusive UK importers for North American manufacturers such as Statpower (now Xantrex - inverters), Heart Interface (inverters), Balmar (alternators) and Blue Sea (DC distribution equipment).
2000
By 2000, Merlin had moved to Poole (Dorset) and repositioned to serve two specific sectors, marine and special vehicles. The company was incorporated shortly afterwards. In response to our customers needs, we established an engineering division to act as a resource for customers who wanted to buy multiple products as a system, providing wiring overviews and integration advice. This activity soon extended to a pre-assembly service, supplying 'plug and play' interconnecting looms, key components pre-wired as sub-assemblies and complete power distribution cabinets.
2005
By 2005, Merlin had begun to design and manufacture electronic products itself where comparable ones with desirable features could not be found. Examples of this included our 'Smartbank' Split Charging System and 'Powerguard' flat battery protector.
2009
In 2009 we acquired a key sub-contractor (Smartgauge Electronics), strengthening our R&D capabilities as well as our IP portfolio.
Today
Today, our manufactured product line is expanding rapidly under our M-Power brand for marine, special vehicle and alternative energy customers. We also serve a growing base of UK and international military customers with specially developed variants of our power management and monitoring systems, offering a professional project based service.
Merlin Equipment is owned and operated by two original employees, James Hortop (Managing Director) and David Small (Business Development Director).
Philosophy
Our philosophy over the years has not changed:
'Our customers make our business and we strive to provide the most technically innovative, professional, informative and flexible service we can'. 'Our job is to provide our customers with options and then deliver either a unique selling proposition, a valued solution, or sometimes simply a product that makes their lives easier or more enjoyable!' 'We constantly strive for perfection but where that isn't acheived, we always learn and always improve'.
We hope this website provides you with a good overview of who we are and what we do!
Regards,
James Hortop - Managing Director.
| The following documents are available for you to download |
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Merlin Company Brochure |
