Mercury Marine will celebrate its 80th anniversary throughout 2019 with events around the world, reflecting on its strong heritage of innovation and leadership in the marine industry.

On January 22, 1939, E. Carl Kiekhaefer purchased a bankrupt engine manufacturing plant in Cedarburg, Wisconsin. Now, 80 years later, the business that emerged from those modest beginnings - Mercury Marine - is a company with 7,000 employees across the globe and is heralded as the world’s leading manufacturer of marine propulsion systems, as well as marine parts and accessories.

“Eighty years ago, Carl Kiekhaefer had a vision for Mercury and that was based around product innovation and technology – and it’s that vision that built the foundation for us to continue to innovate today,” said John Pfeifer, Mercury Marine president.

“Mercury has come a long way over the past eight decades because of the hard work and dedication of everyone who has been a part of our journey. While the past 80 years have been fantastic, we are looking forward to continued growth over the next 80 years and celebrating throughout 2019 with everyone that has made our success possible.”

Mercury, a division of Brunswick Corporation, has invested more than A$1.4 billion globally since 2008 into the expansion of research, development and manufacturing capabilities. In 2018, Mercury successfully launched its largest engine platform in its 80-year history with 19 new FourStroke outboard engines covering the 175-300hp range in both V-6 and V-8.

Mercury will celebrate its 80th anniversary throughout the year and showcase some of its strong heritage during the 2019 boat show season.

“We have a lot to be thankful for and a lot to celebrate,” said Mr Pfeifer. “I’m looking forward to sharing those celebrations around the world, as 2019 will be yet another exciting year with more innovations to introduce.”

At approximately 9HP, this prototype 3-cylinder outboard was built under the Mercury brand after Mercury founder, Carl Keikhaefer, purchased a bankrupt engine manufacturing plant in 1939. Using advanced technologies for the era (circ.1940), the prototype engines of the day were cobbled together using crude and sometimes leftover parts, mixed in with innovative thinking. This motor was restored and run in February 2014.

When many companies pulled back on their R&D spend after the 2008 Global Financial Crisis, Mercury did not and are today are in a position to reap the benefits when last year they released 19 new four-stroke engines covering the 175-300HP range and at this year’s Miami show launched a 400HP Verado.