The recognized leader in quick ship custom built electrical distribution equipment

1936

Year Established

30,175

Projects Completed

>15,750MW

Power Distributed

5.3/week

Average Project Turnaround

ABOUT

Our Story

Chicago Switchboard’s story is one of legacy and growth with a focus on quality, service and engineering excellence.

Founded in 1936 by Harry L. Blomquist, Chicago Switchboard initially focused on stage lighting solutions. The second generation of the Blomquist family, led by Gerald (Harry’s son), continued the efforts in the same industry for the first 20 years, with heavy focus on sheet metal and fabrication.

In 1985, Rick and Bill Blomquist, Gerald’s sons, shifted production from sheet metal to power distribution equipment, mostly on the low voltage range (<600V). It was the pivotal decision that propelled Chicago Switchboard to the custom electrical distribution space it continued to operate in today.

Over the years, strategic decisions and a relentless focus on quality and customer service drove continued growth in the company. When natural disasters struck, like the Chicago tunnel flood in 1992, and the River City flood in 2010, the company was instrumental to support the rebuild effort in the city.

The company continued to build on its reputation of excellent product and services, focusing on covering the needs of the Chicagoland area.

The Growth Continues

In April of 2020, the third generation of the Blomquist family, led by Rick and Bill, Harry’s grandsons, sold the majority stake of the company to propel continued growth. With the fourth generation of the Blomquist family still employed at the company, the focus is now on expanding its ability to serve customers needs beyond Chicago’s area and the Midwest, while continuing the high touch experience that customers have enjoyed for 85+ years.

In December, 2020, Chicago Switchboard acquired Park Detroit (www.parkdetroit.com), doubling in size, and increasing the main geographic market coverage from Chicago to the East Coast. With this acquisition, Chicago Switchboard is able to support the full range of electrical distribution needs expanding from low voltage (<600V) to high voltage (up to 35KV).

As Chicago Switchboard continues to grows, the team is determined to provide quality products and service while remembering the entrepreneurial spirit of the Blomquist family.

SERVICES