General Supply and Machine Co. recently celebrated three generations of family ownership since opening 101 years ago in 1913.
“From my grandfather to my father and uncle to me, we always have worked with this major philosophy — treat our customers as we would like to be treated,” General Supply Vice President and Secretary-Treasurer Alex Weddington said.
The Meridian, Miss.-based company was founded by A.B. “Ben” Weddington as the area’s distributor of saw mills on wheels. He employed 35 machinists at the height of the business.
“Throughout the Great Depression, my grandfather kept all his employees despite the fact the company wasn’t making any money,” Weddington said. “That is another one of the working philosophies that have been passed down to each of us who have run General Supply — doing the right thing and improving peoples’ lives.”
After the Great Depression and two world wars, things changed. General Supply adapted, becoming a total supply establishment specializing in industrial, electrical, plumbing, and heating and air-conditioning supplies.
As years passed, the company again changed, becoming a wholesale distributor for HVAC, mill supplies, plumbing, pumps, valves and pipe fittings.
General Supply currently employs eight individuals. One has been with the company for 48 years and another for 43 years; the others all have been with the company for more than 25 years. The company now carries a full line of HVAC and mill supplies.
“We have a choice each day regarding the attitude we will have,” Weddington said. “Our attitude at General Supply is one of optimism, service and always doing more than is expected.”
