MYR Group history

In the 1900’s, much of Myers’ early work was devoted to building the electrical infrastructure that brought electricity to the Midwest, and connected villages, towns and outlying areas to major cities along railroad lines.

In 1912, Sturgeon Electric Company, Inc. (Sturgeon Electric) was founded by David Dwight “D.D.” Sturgeon in Denver, Colorado.

Legend tells that D.D. Sturgeon invented colored Christmas lights in 1914.

In the 1920’s L.E. Myers embarked upon many significant pursuits that included hydroelectric projects throughout Wisconsin, Michigan, Kentucky and Texas; earning the reputation as an innovator and industry leader.

In the 1930’s as the Great Depression began to take its toll, Myers, along with two other businessmen – Newton Rich and L.T. Allen purchased L.E. Myers from Middle West Utilities; thus reclaiming the company.

In 1940, C. Allen Harlan founded Harlan Electric Company (Harlan Electric) in Detroit, Michigan.

When the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor thrust the country into World War II, the build-up of military capabilities began in earnest.

In the 1950’s, 60’s and 70’s, L.E. Myers began constructing some of the first 345kV and 765kV transmission lines in this country and pioneered the use of helicopters for hauling and installing transmission towers.

In 1953, L.E. Myers built the nation’s first 345kV transmission lines for the Ohio Valley Electric Corporation.

Western Pacific Enterprises, Ltd. (WPE), MYR Group’s Canadian subsidiary, began in 1973 in Coquitlam, British Columbia.

In 1977, Great Southwestern Construction Inc. (Great Southwestern) opened its doors as a family-owned business founded by Bob Martinez in Castle Rock, Colorado.

Huen Electric’s humble beginnings date to 1983, when founders Mike Hughes and Jim McGovern launched the company in Chicago with nothing more than a rusty pickup truck, a small cache of tools, and a tiny office filled with a card table and chairs.

By the early 1990’s Huen Electric was performing electrical installations at many Chicago landmarks, including Wrigley Field, the Sears Tower, and the Navy Pier.

In 1995, MYR Group Inc. (MYR Group) was established as the holding company of L.E. Myers, Sturgeon Electric, and Harlan Electric and grew to one of the largest holding companies of specialty electrical contractors in the United States and Canada.

In 2009, MYR Transmission Services, Inc. (MYRT) was established to better meet the needs of clients constructing large and complex transmission projects.