B&M Celebrates 75 Years In Business

March 1, 2023 | New Castle, Pa

Bruce & Merrilees celebrates its diamond anniversary in 2023. The large-scale electrical contractor opened its doors in 1948 in New Castle, PA. Now, 75 years later, B&M is still owned and operated by the Bruce family. The company headquarters remain in New Castle, with six additional offices in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Maryland, and Virginia.

Bruce & Merrilees began in 1948 as an electrical installation and appliance company. During the first generation of family leadership, B&M provided residential, commercial, and industrial electrical services throughout Western Pennsylvania. During the second generation, the company expanded to include transportation and high voltage electrical services and broadened its service territory.

Now led by the third generation, Bruce & Merrilees’ service region stretches from the Midwest through the Mid-Atlantic to the Southeastern United States. The company employs in excess of 300 people and is a nationally ranked electrical project management and services firm. Services include:
• Power plant installations and upgrades
• Industrial installations
• Highway lighting, signing, ITS, and signaling
• Utility and industrial substations
• Commercial, institutional, and data infrastructure installations and upgrades
• Airport runway and taxiway lighting, signage, and navigational systems
• Electric Vehicle (EV) charger installations
• Engineering & Technology services
• 24/7 electrical support and maintenance

“Most people think of us as an electrical contractor. I think of us as a company that does safe work first and electrical work thereafter,” said Jay H. Bruce, President and CEO of Bruce & Merrilees, and grandson of the company’s founder, J. Howard Bruce. “The safe, professional, innovative services we provide today are the same values that my grandfather began this company with in 1948.”

Bruce & Merrilees continues to build on the success of its first 75 years. The company has expanded into new markets such as data infrastructure, Electric Vehicle charging, and solar field services. B&M actively invests in the success and development of its team members, following a strategic plan that will pave the way for the next 75 years.

“It all comes down to the people,” said Mr. Bruce. “Our business each year is built on making sure that we continue to do what we say we’re going to do. The vast majority of our work on an annual basis is repeat business. That’s why we strive daily to deliver projects and services that help our clients grow and succeed.”