Our History
In the early 1950s, General Electric (GE) constructed Appliance Park in Louisville, KY. It was and still is a large manufacturing facility consisting of six manufacturing buildings for assembling washers, dryers, ranges, ovens, dishwashers, refrigerators, and air conditioners. At its peak, the Park employed over 20,000 men and women.
The construction of Appliance Park involved large, out-of-town contractors, but after its completion, many small companies of all trades formed to perform service and shutdown work. United Electric was one of the four original companies that started in this time and has since become one of the largest industrial contractors in the area.
1957
After working for various electrical contractors supporting the construction of Louisville GE Appliance Park Jerry Wirth, Buck Hulsewede, Walter Butts, Charlie Langnehs, and Richard McKenna combined to form United Electric Company, Inc.
1965
United Electric and Tony Walsh’s and Bob Comstock’s Automatic Industrial Controls (ASI) enter a facilities sharing agreement and move to 4720 Pinewood Rd in Louisville KY.
1968
United joins the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA)
1969
ASI is merged into United Electric. United Electric and Automatic Industrial Controls form one company and begin working on projects for the Kentucky Truck Plant.
1984
United works on automotive projects outside the Louisville market with a few conveyor contractors.
1985
Dan Walsh begins project managing United Electric’s large automotive projects.
1989
Tony Walsh and Bob Comstock become sole owners of United Electric.
1990
United enters the Cincinnati area and Jim Olliges, who had worked as an apprentice and journeyman with United, rejoins the organization.
1991
Inducted into the Academy of Electrical Contractors
1993
Entered Electri 21 Council at Founders Level
1995
Tony Walsh elected as NECA District II Vice President
1997
United Electric moves to the current location at 4333 Robards Lane.
2000
Ownership in the company transferred to Dan Walsh, Jim Olliges, and John Walsh. United Electric moves to Governor Level within Electric 21 Council.
2001
United Electric received its first contract with the local utility company Louisville Gas and Electric for streetlight repair and maintenance, and we have continued to grow that sector of the business.
2002
United Electric acquires Byron Electric Company.
2005
United joined Federated Electrical Contractors.
2012
Dan Walsh inducted into the Academy of Electrical Contractors.
2015
Ownership in the company continues with Dan Walsh and Jim Olliges. Dan Walsh elected as NECA District II Vice President.
2017
A+ rating in Better Business Bureau