History:

Fer-Marc Equipment Ltd. was established May 8, 1962 by founding partners Doug Ferguson and Tony Marceca. The business relationship, based on a handshake and a gentleman's agreement, was the result of the acquisition of the remaining assets of their previous employer, Frost Machinery of Winnipeg. With Frost entering into voluntary bankruptcy, the new partners combined their confidence and energy to launch the new endeavor.

Extensive industry experience provided Doug and Tony with a clear understanding of what it would take to achieve success. The business strategy included several fundamental principles:

  • Operation of the company on a "pay-as-you-go" basis.
  • Careful selection of lines, which will meet the needs of a diversified construction industry.
  • Employment of experienced personnel, familiar with the industry.
  • Maintenance of well stocked parts departments for instantaneous replacement when required by the customer.

 

The plaque in Tony's office reflected his personal philosophy to business. The message read:

"There is hardly anything in the world that some man cannot make a little worse and sell a little cheaper, and the people who consider price only are this man's lawful prey."

Fer-Marc Equipment began operations from two branches: 971 Erin St. in Winnipeg, Manitoba and 1230 St. John St. in Regina, Saskatchewan. The original territory included the provinces of Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta, in addition to some products marketed in British Columbia and Northwest Ontario.

Ferguson and Marceca understood the importance of quality in all aspects of their operations, and it carried through to supplier's relationships. Original suppliers and product lines included:

Canadian Wire Brush - Division of Maltarp Mfg.

"Danline Sweeper Brushes

Elgin-Leach Corporation

Elgin"Street King" Street Sweepers

Elgin Sewer Eductors

Leach 2-R Packmaster Rear Loading Garbage Packer

Oshkosh Motor Truck Inc.

Custom All Wheel Drive Trucks and Snow Removal Equipment

(23000 lb. To 210,000 lb. GVW)

Canadian Ingersoll-Rand

Air Compressors

Pitman Mfg. Co.

Aerial Platforms ("Cherry Pickers")

Wylie Mfg. Co. Inc.

Stationary and Portable Asphalt Plants and Reclaimers

Wausau Iron Works

Snow Plows

Ross Porta Plant Inc

Portable Concrete Batching Equipment

Jari Snow Blowers

Rosco Asphalt Road Building Equipment

The company's growth resulted in a number of expansions. In 1965, Fer-Marc purchased land and constructed its initial building at 153-5th Ave. E. in Regina. The facilities steadily expanded with additions in 1976, 1981, and 1984. The purchase of adjacent land in 2000 positions the firm well for future expansion.

With the passing of Doug Ferguson in 1968, Tony Marceca assumed sole responsibility for the business, providing the leadership for the company's ongoing expansion. In 1990, he also passed away, while attending a Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association Conference in Prince Albert.

Mr. Marceca maintained that his major accomplishment in business was the relationships he had the opportunity to form with customers and business associates. He was highly regarded by his peers, leading to a number of industry awards.

  • In 1976 he received the "Maroon Jacket" representing the "George C. Dodge Special Achievement Award from Elgin/Leach Corporation. The award is not limited to people with spectacular sales successes, but instead is given to a person who demonstrates loyalty, integrity, devotion to the cause of promoting our equipment, and concern for the fellow man."
  • A founding member of the Saskatchewan Public Works Association (SPWA) since March 7, 1959, he received the Meritorious Award in 1988 acknowledging the provision of services by the private sector.
  • On September 13, 1990, he was presented the Lifetime Membership Award by the American Public Works Association (APWA)
  • The SPWA created "The Tony Marceca Memorial Scholarship", an annual $1,000 award, in honor of the contributions he made to the association.

 

The reputation of excellence, so important to the company founders, carries on to this day, demonstrated by the presentation of the Harry S. Swearingen Award in 1998 for "Acknowledgment of Outstanding Service to the APWA at the Chapter Level".

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