World-Wide Metric: History

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KEEPING THE WORLD FLOWING FOR OVER 50 YEARS

The World Wide Metric story is about seeing a solution where others only see a problem.

From our beginnings as a ship repair company in 1970, we saw an opportunity to address the shortage of metric replacement parts available state side for foreign-built ships. Not content to wait for a solution, we started importing metric Japanese (JIS) and European (DIN) standard valves and flanges on our own.

Since then, our product line and company footprint have continued to expand to meet the needs of our customers – a loyal base which includes many leaders in the Fluid Power and Maritime industries.

George C. Scott gives one of Hollywood's most memorable performances in Patton.

After serving as a sea captain, Constantinos Contos started a company called World Wide Ship Repair that served ships on the docks in Brooklyn, NY.

The much-hyped boxing match between George Foreman and Muhammad Ali, Rumble in the Jungle, takes place in Kinshasa, Zaire. Ali wins in 8 rounds to regain his heavyweight title.

Bill Gates and Paul Allen found Microsoft in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

The United States Bicentennial culminated on Sunday, July 4, 1976, with the 200th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence.

Constantinos Contos begins importing Japanese (JIS) and European (DIN) standard valves and flanges into the U.S.

The arcade game Pac-Man is released and becomes one of the highest-grossing video games of all time. The game is also regarded as one of the most influential video games in history.

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. is dedicated.

Constantinos Contos begins the transformation of World Wide Ship Repair and World Wide Metric is born.

World Wide Metric moves the company headquarters to Somerset, New Jersey to concentrate on wholesale distribution to the marine and industrial markets.

The company opens its second distribution center in Houston, Texas to manage the Gulf Region and South America.

The company continues to expand and opens its third distribution center in Long Beach, California in order to serve the Western Region and Pacific Rim.

After 30 years, Johnny Carson retires as host of NBC's The Tonight Show.

World Wide Metric establishes its presence on the world wide web with its first website.

NASA launches the Mars Global Surveyor as part of the Mars Exploration Program, relaying surface telemetry in order to identify potential landing sites.

After playing 20 seasons in the NHL and holding 61 league records, Wayne Gretzky retires as a player.

After successfully building the company through decades of hard work and dedication, Constantinos passes the helm to the second generation — George, Anthee and Theo Contos.

The RMS Queen Mary 2, the largest passenger ship ever built, is christened by her namesake's granddaughter, Queen Elizabeth I.

Recognizing the opportunity to manage the needs in the Southeast, Caribbean and South American markets, a fourth distribution center opens its doors in Ft. Lauderdale, FL.

Jack Dorsey, Noah Glass, Biz Stone, and Evan Williams launch the popular social-networking service, Twitter.

After experiencing global growth, World Wide Metric headquarters is moved to a larger facility in Branchburg, NJ.

In a major keynote speech, Apple founder Steve Jobs announces the release of the iPad, taking the new technology of touch-screen computing to new levels

The New York Giants win their fourth Super Bowl victory, once again defeating the New England Patriots. QB Eli Manning named the Super Bowl MVP for the second time in his career.