Our History
Our History: Nearly a Century of Excellence
When Mr. James retired in 1970, he sold the business to Bucky. Under Mr. McElroy’s tenure, JMW significantly diversified its services and expanded into ASME Pressure Vessel and API tank fabrication, field-erection, and shop-built tanks. Eventually, Mr. McElroy retired in 1995, at which point his son, Paul M. McElroy, stepped up to become president of the company. Shortly thereafter, his daughter, Susan McElroy Weaver, joined the business in 1999. Following Paul’s passing in 2015, Susan assumed the role of President, and she continues to lead the company in that capacity today.
Growth and Capabilities
Starting from just three employees in 1927, JMW has since grown into a massive operation. Today, the company boasts over 180 full-time employees and a 140,000 sq. ft. fabrication plant. In addition to scale, our comprehensive infrastructure includes:
- An in-house quality control department and an in-house safety department.
- Personnel certified in ASME, API 653, AWWA, and API.
- In-house engineering and design teams.
- A fleet of mobile cranes and specialized equipment alongside ten dedicated field crews for on-site erection and installation.
Community and Industry Commitment
As an always family-owned business, JMW has maintained a deep, lasting commitment to the Monroe community. Specifically, we demonstrate this through our active involvement in local churches, schools, and youth sports team sponsorships. Furthermore, we proudly support vital organizations such as the Salvation Army, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Rays of Sonshine, P.A.W.S. of Northeast Louisiana, the River Cities Humane Society for Cats, and numerous client-sponsored charities.
Beyond our local community work, JMW is a deeply integrated and respected member of the broader industrial landscape. For instance, we hold active memberships in the United Way of Northeast Louisiana, National Association of Manufacturers, International Liquid Terminals Association, and the National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors. Moreover, we are aligned with the Louisiana Chemical Industry Alliance, Associated General Contractors of Mississippi, American Petroleum Institute, American Society of Mechanical Engineers, Louisiana Association of Business and Industry, and the Better Business Bureau. Finally, when we aren’t building or giving back, we are proud season ticket holders supporting the New Orleans Saints and the Houston Texans.