General Supply & Machine Co

One hundred and six years ago, in 1913, the parachute was invented. In 1913, the first windshield wipers were put on cars; today, the cars are electric and connected to the world via GPS. One hundred and six years ago, the crossword puzzle was invented; today, you can play all of your favorite games on a smart phone.

In that span of 106 years, many things have come and gone while others have prospered.Today, General Supply and Machine Company is celebrating three generations of family ownership and success since opening its doors in 1913. “From my grandfather, to my father and uncle and, to me, we have always worked with this major philosophy — treat our customers as we would like to be treated,” said Alex Weddington, President and Secretary-Treasurer of General Supply.

The Meridian, MS establishment was founded by A.B. “Ben” Weddington as the area’s premier distributor of saw mills on wheels. The lumber industry was flourishing in the East Mississippi/West Alabama area and most of the lumber was milled by small, portable saw mills that were picked up and carried from site to site. The mills were built in-house in the General Supply machine shop, as well as all of the ancillary components.

But when you start a business in 1913, and go through the Great Depression and two world wars, things change. By the end of World War II, the portable saw mill was no longer needed and General Supply adapted its inventory to meet the needs of the times. They became a total “supply” establishment specializing in industrial, electrical, plumbing, heating and air conditioning supplies. The company also has a line of pumps, pipes and pipe fittings, as well as tools.

The growth of General Supply has been steady and aimed at serving their customers. “We make time for people and if something is wrong, we make it right,” said Alex.  As more years elapsed, General Supply began to diversify its business, becoming a wholesale distributor for HVAC, mill supplies, plumbing, pumps, valves and pipe fittings. 

With innovation, General Supply has never lost sight of the company’s beginnings.  General Supply’s employees are loyal and most have been with the company over 25 years.  Out of the eight people they employ, one has been with the company for 48 years and another for 43 years.  Not only are the employees loyal to General Supply, General Supply is loyal to their employees and is just one of the  reasons the company has been in business for 106 years.

As General Supply looks to its next 100 years of success, third-generation owner Alex Weddington said, “We have a choice each day regarding the attitude we will have. Our attitude at General Supply is one of optimism, service and always doing more than is expected.”

General Supply & Machine Co.
208 19th Avenue Meridian, MS