• Posted: January 27, 2026
• better careers, better communities, better construction, ECA Chicago electrical contractors, Electrical construction companies in Chicago, Electrical construction workforce in Chicago, IBEW Local 134, IBEW Local 134 training in Chicago, Professional electricians in Chicago

For more than four generations, Gurtz Electric Co. has helped shape the landscape of Chicago and Cook County through high-quality, complex electrical construction. As a Powering Chicago signatory contractor with deep roots in the region, Gurtz Electric Co. combines decades of experience, exceptional craftsmanship, advanced technology, and a highly trained workforce to deliver projects that stand the test of time.

Serving healthcare facilities, high-rises, aviation, data centers, and large-scale commercial developments, Gurtz Electric Co. brings a consistent commitment to quality, safety, and long-term performance across Chicago.

A Four-Generation Legacy of Expertise

Gurtz Electric Co. is a family business—founded by Mallory Gurtz’s great-grandfather and led today by her father, Frank Gurtz, the company’s current CEO. Mallory now serves as Chief Operating Officer, representing the fourth generation of leadership.

Gurtz Electric Co. has grown significantly in recent years, modernizing internal processes, strengthening collaboration across teams, and positioning itself for long-term success in Chicago’s rapidly evolving construction environment.

Breadth and Depth in Electrical Construction

Gurtz Electric Co. specializes in commercial electrical construction, serving core markets that demand precision, safety, and advanced technical capabilities, including high-rise projects, healthcare facilities, data centers, aviation environments, pharmaceutical operations, and large-scale commercial developments.

While headquartered in Illinois, Gurtz Electric Co. also operates a Wisconsin branch and performs project-based work in Indiana, Michigan, Iowa, and Ohio, often partnering with local contractors as appropriate to support regional requirements.

This diverse portfolio allows Gurtz Electric Co. to adapt to a wide range of project scales and complexities while delivering consistent, high-quality results.

Powered by Training, Safety, and Workforce Excellence

Gurtz Electric Co.’s partnership with IBEW Local 134 is foundational to its success. Mallory credits the Local 134 training pipeline—including its multi-year apprenticeship program and ongoing education—with developing electricians equipped to meet the demands of modern electrical construction.

“I think as a Local 134 electrician, you’re going to have a career built on stability,” said Gurtz. “You’re in a union network that has not only the training and the ongoing education, but also the benefits of great healthcare, great pension, and that network.”

Gurtz Electric Co. benefits from:

• Highly trained IBEW Local 134 electricians with extensive safety instruction
• A workforce equipped to adapt to new technologies and systems
• Strong mentorship and problem-solving skills
• Reliable manpower when projects require additional support
  

The emphasis on safety is especially noteworthy. According to Gurtz, Local 134’s training instills a culture of responsibility, reduces job-site risks, and reinforces high standards for installation quality.

Innovation Through BIM, Prefabrication, and Modern Technology

Gurtz Electric Co. embraces new tools and technologies that enhance project efficiency and accuracy. BIM coordination, 3D modeling, and prefabrication play a central role in their approach, streamlining workflows and ensuring that complex installations are completed correctly, the first time.

Powering Chicago has featured Gurtz in several marketing videos showcasing its BIM capabilities and materials, which the company now uses to demonstrate its strengths to prospective clients.

These videos reinforce Gurtz’s reputation for technical excellence, detail-driven craftsmanship, and an ability to deliver clean, organized installations.

A Strong Partnership That Drives Industry Excellence

As a longstanding member of the Electrical Contractors Association of Chicago (ECA), Gurtz Electric Co. benefits from industry insights, networking, educational programs, and resources that keep contractors aligned with emerging technologies and construction standards.

Powering Chicago’s broader initiatives, including its work in solar, EV charging, and other growth sectors, helps ensure that skilled electricians and signatory contractors remain at the forefront of regional development.

“I think mutually beneficial is an important theme,” said Gurtz. “They have a great training program, and we need them and they need us.”

This partnership strengthens both the workforce and the contractors that rely on ensuring the highest standards for electrical construction in Chicago.

Contributing to Chicago’s Communities

Many of Gurtz Electric Co.’s projects include community-focused participation goals such as:

• Local hiring requirements
• Neighborhood workforce inclusion
• Diversity participation targets
  

Gurtz Electric Co. recently worked on large-scale aviation improvements at O’Hare International Airport, where residency and minority participation requirements ensured that individuals living in the surrounding communities could contribute to shaping infrastructure in their own neighborhoods.

“These projects allow people in the community to be part of building something in the community,” said Gurtz.

Gurtz Electric Co. also participates in industry events, philanthropic initiatives, and nonprofit sponsorships, reinforcing its commitment to Chicago’s long-term growth.

The Powering Chicago Difference

Gurtz Electric Co.’s legacy reflects everything Powering Chicago stands for: craftsmanship, professionalism, continuous improvement, and community impact.

What defines their difference?

• A highly skilled, well-trained workforce
• Strong safety culture
• Advanced technological capabilities
• A collaborative, supportive network
• Deep regional expertise
• Generational leadership committed to long-term success
  

“Even though we’ve added new processes and procedures, it’s all to benefit the team and make us better,” said Gurtz. “You have to stay innovative, stay ahead of the curve, and work together.”

For municipalities, developers, facility managers, and business leaders, working with a Powering Chicago signatory contractor like Gurtz means partnering with a team built on trust, experience, and a shared mission of building better construction, better careers, and better communities.

Explore the Powering Chicago Find a Contractor Tool to connect with qualified electrical contractors like Gurtz Electric Co. and discover the difference that skilled electricians and experienced construction teams can make on your next project.