Our History
Oshkosh Pipe Fitter Starts His Business
E. C. Merrill is a family-owned, 4th generation, plumbing, heating, and cooling company. The business was started by Erwin C. (Erv) Merrill an Oshkosh pipe fitter, originally working from his garage, like many new heating and cooling start ups. Originally fouded as E. C. Merrill Heating Company in 1949, Erv was joined by his son Russ and they focused on steam boilers and hot water heating systems. Russ was indentured as an apprentice steam fitter on Sept 1st of that year. Their attention to detail and the high quality of their workmanship built a strong reputation and the business quickly expanded. The company was then registered as E. C. Merrill, Inc. in 1957.
56 and 214 Pearl Ave
The building had real character, and though it is long gone, the memory of the creaking wooden floors still lingers.
The first real shop was established at 56 Pearl Ave. in Oshkosh, (changed to 214 Pearl Ave. when streets were renamed and readdressed in 1957) and remained there as the business grew thru the 1950's. Many hydronic heating coils for infloor heating systems, including for St Peter Catholic Church, were fabricated from 1" schedule 40 steel pipe in the alleyway between the shop and Battis Brothers Supply Co. As the company continued to expand, more space was needed and the decision was made to build a new shop.
804 Witzel Ave Oshkosh
Construction began in 1962 for the new shop at 804 Witzel Avenue in Oshkosh, and the enterprize relocated to the new facility in 1963. This led to the addition of sheet metal fabrication, and Erv and Russ were both awarded state plumbing licences based on their experience and reputation in the industry.
In 1964, Erv moved to Arizona and the company reigns were taken by Russ, as the new generation assumed control. During this time the company expanded, adding more plumbing and sheet metal capabilities. Beginning in 1967 Russ's son Jay began working after school and during the summer, digging ditches and other assorted tasks, literally learning the business from the ground up. Following 3 years of military service and college, Jay joined the company full time in 1978, assuming control when Russ retired in 1989. In 1996, the decision was made to refocus the business for residential and light commercial work, concentrating on service and replacement of existing boilers, furnaces, and air conditioning systems.
809 Wisconsin Ave. North Fond Du Lac
Sig’s Heating of North Fond du Lac Aquired
In 2000, Jay purchased Sig's LLC of North Fond Du Lac, expanding our service area to Fond Du Lac and many of the surrounding communities, including Winneconne, Omro, Van Dyne, and as far south as Oakfield. Jay's son Bryan then followed in his dad's footsteps, working summer hours and, after high school, joined the company full time. The former site of Sig's Heating at 809 Wisconsin Ave in North Fond Du Lac was purchased in 2006 where our business is located today.
