1971Mercury Marine USA made the strategic decision to set up an assembly plant in Europe. Petit-Rechain, near Verviers, Belgium, was selected among several potential sites due to its excellent manpower availability, large pool of specialized suppliers, logistics advantage to reach key markets, excellent cooperation from local and regional authorities and a stable political environment. Mercury Marine S.A. was established.27 SeptemberThe factory floor, warehouses and offices are ready after less than 6 months under construction.15 NovemberThe first Mercury outboard is completed at Petit-Rechain.1972Official inauguration of the Petit-Rechain and Cheratte facilities was attended by over 250 officials from the Belgian government, Brunswick Corp. and Mercury Marine.1977Marine Power France is established.1979Marine Power Netherlands BV, Marine Power Denmark, Marine Power Norway are established.