Throughout the housing industry, Jim Merrick is considered one of the true pioneers in the invention of Automated Machine Tools for housing production. Starting with the invention of a Window Frame Machine back in 1960, Merrick Machine Company, under the "Triad" brand name, has gone on to develop Wall Panel Fabrication Machines, Fastening Equipment and Sub-Component Machines. Over the years, Triad has produced more than 12,000 machines for housing. Quite literally, hundreds of thousands of homes have been built on Triad machinery. And being so built, they have made the American dream a little more affordable for thousands of families. Nearly 50 years have passed and the business climate has changed since Jim started a small machine shop in Grand Island, Nebraska. However, the Triad Companies have proven to be more than a success. Today, under the direction of Richard Merrick, Jim's son, the operations of the five companies are located in Nebraska and Colorado. Primarily a family operation, it now includes a third generation (Jim's grandson) Russell Merrick as the current General Manager of Merrick Machine Company. The Triad Companies, the parent company, retains its headquarters at Alda, Nebraska (population. 400) thus maintaining a rather modest identity but the success of both the companies and those that use their products are anything but modest. Affiliates include: Fu-tek Tool Company L.P., builder of quality precision tooling and dies; Triad Products Co., slow moving vehicle and other agricultural products; Triad Fastener L.P., Denver Plastics Nebraska, L.P., and Denver Plastics Colorado, L.P., quality injection molding, and Ruvo Manufacturing; the industry leader in Automated Door Systems.