Final answer:
Merrimac Manufacturing Company may have always purchased raw materials for their operations.
Step-by-step explanation:
The component that Merrimac Manufacturing Company has always purchased would depend on the specific nature of their business. However, in a general sense, a common component that manufacturing companies often purchase is raw materials. Raw materials are the basic substances used in the production of goods, and they are typically obtained from suppliers or wholesalers. Examples of raw materials could include metals, plastics, chemicals, textiles, or any other materials that are transformed into finished products.