weekend.

In 1876, William E Meyer & Co Ltd. was incorporated by Mr. Meyer in St.

George's. It began as a shipping and coal bunkering agency and was able to offer comprehensive services to the shipping industry serving Bermuda through its ownership of work boats, water barges, coal barges and tug boats.

Wm. E Meyer remains the parent company today, though the group's business has diversified greatly. It owns and operates all Meyer property on Hunter's Wharf, Somers Wharf, Wellington Slip Road and the Waverley Building in Church Street.

The company commenced operation of a machine shop, specialising in ship repair and related services, in 1951. This business has continuously expanded and, by 1965, incorporated three subsidiaries: Marine Repair Shop; St. George's Marine Slip; St. George's Tug & Transportation. In 1972 a further subsidiary, Meyer Agencies, was incorporated to consolidate the travel, shipping and freight business.

Meyer group celebrates 125 years In 1978, the Marine Repair and Marine Slip companies were merged as Meyer Industries to reduce overheads and increase efficiency. A further step was taken in 1985 when the company leased out the slip's yacht facility, which left Meyer Industries able to concentrate on servicing larger vessels on the 1,000 ton railway.

Meyer feels the right location has been an undoubted advantage in the continued growth of the business. A spokesman said, "St. George's has always been a major shipping centre and right from the start the company has been positioned to offer a truly comprehensive service to the shipping industry.'' Meyer Industries operate the largest slipway in Bermuda, which enables them to carry out servicing of ships up to 1,000 tons. The repair shop is also the only purpose-built facility of its kind on the Island today, which also stocks steel.

Meyer staff can handle marine repair work, decontamination of fuel tanks, hydraulics and oil and repairs to marine diesel engines. The company also provides line men and boats for vessels docking in St. George's and tankers at the Esso oil dock facility.

Over 70 percent of vessels visiting the Island are serviced by Meyers, including cable ships, research vessels and cruise ships. Meyer Freight has become a distinct division and now represents two of the freight lines servicing the Island - Bermuda International Shipping Line out of Salem, New Jersey and Somers Isle Shipping Line out of Port Fernandina, Florida.

As Meyer was already heavily involved with ocean travel, so a move to officially start Meyer Travel in 1946 was a natural progression. The travel company has developed its own corporate travel division, catering for business travellers.