CECCo Video

From high rises to hospitals, factories to financial centers, laboratories to convention centers, retail malls and tenant spaces, from a single receptacle, telephone or data location to an entire mission critical data center, the Continental Electrical Construction Company (CECCo) is energy personified – powering up the City of Chicago.

Since 1912 Continental has a history and century long track record unequalled in Chicago. Back when the city was still using trolley cars for transportation they were at the very forefront of the electrical industry converting gas lighting to electric helping lead Chicago forward. With entrepreneurial vision, Harry Witz started the business by marching door to door selling electrical fuse panels and lighting. With grit and determination he was able to keep the company alive through the trials and tribulations of the great depression.

Next, Leo Witz advanced the company through the booming industrial age and liked to say; “quality is never an accident; it is always the result of sincere endeavor.” Leo led the company through unprecedented expansion, providing the city with the raw power that makes Chicago the sophisticated, international urban center it is today. Continental was later taken to new heights with William Witz at the helm, acquiring 11 niche contractor’s, and again experienced a new and different kind of tremendous growth during the high rise commercial era. Other members of the Witz Family; Roy, Eugene, and Charles also brought superb leadership in their tutelage.

Now in its fourth generation of family ownership, David Witz and Steven Witz lead this company at the forefront of innovation and intellectual capital radiating the utmost in professionalism. Continental charges into an age of mission critical information where the construction of data centers produce infinite commerce and vital communications on the global information super highway.

With locations in Oak Brook and Hillside, Continental’s value is found in the more than 450 committed employees and their ability to get the most meticulous and demanding jobs done on time and within budget. Utilizing individual strengths encouraged by a top executive team, employees are empowered to improve on economies of scale, overall project coordination and reduce risk on any given undertaking.

Safety is always a top priority. Their Emergency Modification Rate (EMR) of .58 is one of the lowest in the industry. Continental has been recognized by numerous associations and organizations for their safety record and continuously receives commendations from their customers.

At the core of this progressive organization is a contractor that delivers electrical construction services such as electrical distribution and lighting, solar, car charging, generator and UPS demands and low voltage structured cabling systems including data, telephone, and DAS (distributed antenna systems).

Heavily weighted in design and engineering capabilities, Continental is a company that is able to complete even the largest of design and build projects. They can handle numerous, simultaneous projects that are on the fast track or are deemed technologically advanced. The company takes great pride in never missing a schedule. Accomplishing over 5 million labor hours in a five-year period their goal is one of total satisfaction, repeat business and a customer for life.

The Chicago skyline is their resume. Dozens of landmark structures bear the Continental imprint. Here are some notable achievements of the markets and clientele that the Continental Electrical Construction Company has had the pleasure to work with.

Commercial (Shell & Core) Projects – Willis Tower, Chicago Mercantile Exchange, Water Tower Place, Westbrook Corporate Center

Commercial (Interior Development) Projects – Boeing Airlines Headquarters, Sidley & Austin, McDermott Will & Emery, Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, BlueCross BlueShield Headquarters, United Airlines

Institutional Projects – US Cellular Field (Comiskey Park), Art Institute of Chicago, Benedictine University Sports Complex, McCormick Place Expansions, Millennium Park

Industrial Projects – Wm Wrigley Jr., S & C Electric, Waste Management, Nalco Chemical, Allied Waste, Woodward MPC, US Smokeless Tobacco, Northrup Grumman

Health Care Projects – Swedish Covenant Hospital, Kishwaukee Hospital, University of Chicago Duchossois Center for Advance Medicine, Chicago Prostate Cancer Center

Hospitality Projects – Wheeling Westin North Shore, Intercontinental Hotel, Hyatt Regency, Baymont Suites, Swissotel, Union League Club of Chicago, Westin Lombard at Yorktown Center

Continental constantly strives to be the best electrical contractor in the country and their clients will confirm that they are on the right track. Although their track record stands on its own, Continental is humbled and extremely appreciative of the opportunity to serve the great City of Chicago and the surrounding suburbs and communities.

Continental celebrated its 100 year anniversary in 2012 – reflecting on its successes and forecasting an equally bright future.

Further reading and photos of the Continental Electric Construction Company is on their website.