Our History
Overview
Explore Our History
For more than 70 years, MCE has proudly provided its customers with electrical design, engineering, and installation expertise that is second to none. We have built a diverse company that offers well-thought-out, dependable services that have stood the test of time.
Repeat customers make up most of our business. Our customers keep coming back because we work hard to get it right the first time. We are known for delivering extensive, high-profile jobs on time and on budget, and we are equally proud of our ability to successfully change and grow with the marketplace and the industry. Our people are the best at what they do, and we are proud of every one of them.
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Ofenstein Engineering
Originating as Ofenstein Engineering, in St. Louis, MO, in the 1920s, August Ofenstein and his son Julian sold and installed electric doorbells, speaking tubes, and knob and tube wiring for residential homes and apartments.
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Moving to Detroit
In 1934, August and Julian moved from St. Louis to Detroit and started their own small electrical company that they operated out of their house on Glendale Street, in Highland Park. In Detroit, Ofenstein Engineering provided electrical installation to small and mid-level industrial and commercial projects. Ofenstein Engineering worked closely with the IBEW Locals 58 and 17. MCE maintains this relationship still today.
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Becoming Motor City Electric
Company growth is significantly accelerated when Detroit-based Harlan Electric purchases Ofenstein Engineering. Eventually, Harlan Electric is incorporated as Motor City Electric Co.
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Working with the Big Three
Motor City Electric Co. stuns its competitors by winning a $100,000 contract for electrical work on the Wind Tunnel, Dynamometer, and product design buildings at the new General Motors Warren Tech Center. When the campus opens, it is the largest corporate building project globally, costing more than $125 Million. Construction is completed in 1955, with a grand opening on May 16, 1956.
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Ford Assembly Lines
Assembly line equipment for the Ford Motor Company is built by MCE in Dearborn, MI.
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Lighting Up the Night
Nighttime horse-track racing is big business in the late 50s early 60s, but uneven track spotlights pose safety hazards to the horses and their jockeys. In Lexington, KY, Motor City Electric Co. is invited to Keeneland Thoroughbred Racetrack, or Kentucky Horse Park, where they devise new lighting that eliminates shadows, improves safety, and affords better views of the race.
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Innovative Solutions
The new lighting system created by MCE is so popular that other tracks invite them to install the same system at more than 30 racetracks across the country.
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Expanding Our Scope
Motor City Electric Co. begins transitioning from a primarily industrial-focused electrical contractor to a more diverse company overall. These changes are made to better serve emerging divisions in which MCE is finding success, including the Commercial, Industrial, Automotive Processes, and Public Works industries.
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Embracing Computer Technology
As one of the first electrical contractors to heartily embrace computer technology, in the 1970s Motor City Electric Co. has an extensive mainframe computer system in use to track projects and quotes.
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Ford Engine Plant
The Ford Motor Company contracts MCE to work on their new Michigan Casting Plant in Flat Rock, MI.
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General Motors Assembly
General Motors contracts MCE for the electrical installation of new conveyor and plant systems for truck assembly.
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Ambassador Bridge
MCE installs new lighting halfway across the Ambassador Bridge in Detroit, MI.
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Stroh's Brewing Company
Stroh's Brewing Company in Detroit chooses Motor City Electric Co. to install new electrical cooling and filtering systems.
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Powering Detroit's Waterfront
Detroit Edison, River Rouge Power Plant, receives five new electrical precipitators installed by MCE.
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Refining Our Skills
Motor City Electric Co. continues to refine its resources to serve its customers better. As a result, the Service & Emergency Division and Motor City Electric Utilities are created in 1983.
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Telecom Industry
Following the break-up of AT&T in 1984, Motor City Electric forms two new companies to handle the increased workflow: Telecom Technicians, created to perform telecommunications installation; and Regulus, developed to provide the equipment.
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Chrysler Corporation Plant
MCE installs security camera systems, gates, glass breakage monitors, and more, to provide complete security for the Chrysler Corporation Truck Plant in Sterling Heights, MI.
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Mazda Stamping
Mazda chooses MCE for the electrical installation of 4,000,000 sq. ft. of stamping, assembly, and plastic plants.
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Company Purchased
With the purchase of Motor City Electric Co. by its own executive staff, the rest of this decade is dedicated to expanding MCE's local and national client base.
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Moving to Bigger Spaces
By the end of 1993, Motor City Electric Co. outgrows its offices and moves to the Detroit Renaissance Center.
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Going International
Mid South Contractors ULC is acquired as an affiliate company, expanding
Motor City Electric Co.'s international footprint with a new office in Ontario. -
Beginning Fiber Work
MCE completes a fiber optic cable network for Chrysler Warren Truck Assembly.
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Taking on the Public Sector
DWSD Water Works selects Motor City Electric Co. for the complete design/build turnkey electrical construction of their water/wastewater facility.
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Building Big in Detroit
MCE begins to take on more commercial work. In 2000, Motor City Electric Co. completes construction on Comerica Park, home of the Detroit Tigers.
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Company Growth
MCE acquires Stelko Electric of Kokomo, IN, as well as Huron Valley Electric of Ann Arbor, MI, broadening their capabilities across the U.S.
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Creating Partnerships
An additional company, Williams Electrical and Telecommunications Company, enters a partnership with MCE as its Minority Business Enterprise (MBE).
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Emergency Communications Center
DWSD Regional 800 MHz Radio System. In Detroit, MI, MCE installs a complete 800 MHz Radio System, communications center, and emergency communications center.
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Water/Wastewater
On June 30, Rotor Electric Company becomes a subsidiary of Motor City Electric Co., cementing a 20-year working relationship, and begins operating as Rotor Electric Company of Michigan, LLC.
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Getting More Involved
To further their involvement in public sector work, MCE works with the DWSD Water Board on a
two-year maintenance plan. -
Demonstrating Our Skills
Motor City Electric Co. is chosen as the primary electrical contractor for the Little Caesars Arena Project, installing every inch of electrical cabling and all electrical assemblies.
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Continuing to Grow
MCE has focused heavily on improving our processes and procedures, and in finding growth in all our trades. 2017 marks the beginning of a working relationship with Amazon, to spearhead their extensive distribution center builds.
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Taking on Larger Projects
MCE takes on projects such as the Hudson's Building, as part of the revitalization efforts in the City of Detroit.
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We're 70!
With 70 years of unwavering service, MCE is stronger than ever. A company and expertise built through countless projects and over many decades. We look forward to bringing all that we have accomplished into a bright future.
Looking Ahead
Shaping Tomorrow:
MCE's Vision for a Sustainable and Innovative Future
Shaping tomorrow means never standing still. MCE’s vision is built on customer-first service, industry-leading safety, and a commitment to smart, sustainable growth. By staying focused on core strengths and embracing new technologies, we’re preparing for the next 100 years and beyond.
Explore Our Projects
From high-voltage utilities to control systems and automation, MCE has established itself as a leader in the electrical contracting industry. Learn more about the work we do here.
