Mobile Home Manufacturer History - Homes of Merit

Homes of Merit was created in 1973 by Charles E. Weeder. Mr. Weeder, a veteran in the Manufactured Housing Industry, used his life savings with additional funds supplied by a handful of investors and opened his first plant in Bartow, FL. His goal, to create an employee oriented company that produces a quality home.

In 1973, his company produced approximately $2.5 million in sales. In 1984, Homes of Merit-Bartow's production capabilities had reached a maximum in the now 3 plants. Orders for Homes of Merit homes had gotten so strong, they were not able to build the quality homes fast enough. Mr. Weeder decided to expand his company into Lake City, FL.

Production began in the new facility in 1985. Due to its reputation for building a quality home at a fair price, Homes of Merit-Lake City experienced overwhelming growth. In 1988, another production facility was built in Lake City right next to the first. In 1996, once again in response to strong sales and the desire to move into a different product line, Plant 3 was built.

As a result of its growth, Homes of Merit-Lake City has become the largest single location producer in the State of Florida accounting for approximately $82.8 million in sales in 1998.

Because of tremendous success, Homes of Merit was acquired by Champion Enterprises in January of 1999.

The marriage of these companies resulted in the merger of the largest Manufactured Housing Organization in the Industry, with the Largest Manufactured Home Builder in the State of Florida.

Champion Enterprises now encompasses 64 Manufactured Housing Plants in the U.S. and two in Canada. The marriage with Champion is expected to open many doors of opportunity, allowing Homes of Merit to gain in influence and open other markets to our product.

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