History of United Electric Company

Founded in 1957 in Louisville, Kentucky, United Electric Company began as a small electrical contractor established by a group of electricians during the launch of the General Electric plant in Louisville. A joint venture with Kelso Burnett helped position the company for early growth and provided opportunities to support the region’s expanding industrial market.

Throughout its early years, United Electric developed a strong foundation in industrial electrical work and automation, particularly within automotive manufacturing environments. During the late 1960s and early 1970s, United Electric merged with Automatic Industrial Controls (AIC), a company owned by Tony Walsh and Bob Comstock. The merger strengthened the company’s industrial capabilities and created the foundation for long-term growth. Over time, Walsh and Comstock acquired full ownership of the business and expanded its presence across industrial markets.

Over the decades, United Electric built its reputation by pursuing complex, high-demand projects and embracing opportunities others often considered too challenging or uncertain. The company became known for its ability to manage large-scale industrial automation projects, particularly in automotive manufacturing, before expanding into mission-critical and hyperscale markets.

Today, United Electric delivers large-scale electrical solutions for battery plants, data centers, utility infrastructure, healthcare facilities, stadiums, higher education campuses, and advanced industrial operations across the United States and beyond. The company’s utility division began growing in the early 2000s after securing a streetlight maintenance contract with Louisville Gas & Electric (LG&E;). That work expanded into electrical distribution support, pole replacement, and make-ready services throughout the region.

In 2018, United Electric secured a long-term contract supporting large-scale electrical distribution operations for LG&E; and PPL companies, further strengthening its utility presence. United Electric’s Cincinnati operations also became a significant part of the company’s growth and diversification. The Cincinnati office developed extensive expertise in commercial and institutional work, contributing to major projects including Paycor Stadium, FC Cincinnati facilities, Great American Ball Park, healthcare campuses, universities, museums, and convention center renovations. Since 2019, the Louisville and Cincinnati teams have operated as a unified organization, sharing estimating resources, operational expertise, and specialized capabilities across industrial, commercial, utility, and mission-critical sectors.

Today, United Electric continues to build on nearly seven decades of experience with a focus on innovation, adaptability, and execution. Headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, the company supports customers throughout the Midwest and across North America, delivering high-risk, fast-paced, and technically demanding projects with the operational expertise and workforce needed to meet evolving industry demands.