Learn About the History of Bennett Electric, Inc.

WHO WE ARE

Throughout its history, the name Bennett Electric has been associated with top quality service at competitive prices. As a member of Electrical Apparatus Service Association (EASA), Bennett is a recognized service facility for all of the major motor manufacturers.

Bennett Electric is a certified Underwriters Laboratory repair facility, one of only a few in northern Ohio, and bears the UL certification #E84805. This, of course, extends our repair capability into UL labeled explosion-proof motors. UL certification mandates that all of our gauges and instrumentation are periodically inspected and certified.

HISTORY OF BENNETT ELECTRIC

Bennett Electric was founded by Harry Bennett in 1910. Mr. Bennett was quite a unique individual. At the time, he owned several businesses in the area. One of his companies was started in Milan, Ohio with partner Thomas A. Edison, manufacturing magnetos. Harry Bennett had other prestigious friends in the area which included Henry Ford, the Firestones and the Fisher Brothers from Fisher Body.

Harrison "Harry" Hayes Bennett (1877-1960)

Harry was an inventor and experimented with a variety of materials which included light bulb elements, many of which are still kept at our current location. One of Harry's aspirations was to design and build an automobile. He is credited with not only designing, but building one of the first automobiles in the country. Harry also was one of the founding members of the Huron County Auto Club.

Historic items still on display at Bennett Electric

Initially, automobile repair was Harry Bennett's principle business. Over time, customers brought in their electric motors to see if he could repair them. Harry recognized the need for this specialized repair service and the business eventually transformed to the servicing and sales of electric motors. Bennett Electric was then located at 21 Mill Street in Norwalk. After Harry's passing, his widow Edith Pressler (Bennett) ran the business herself. The business was purchased from Edith by William "Bill" Stewart and his wife Phyllis. Bill had extensive training rewinding and rebuilding motors serving in the Navy.

Bill Stewart at the Mill St. location

In 1986, Bennett Electric built and moved into its current location at 211 Republic St. in Norwalk. Bennett Electric is currently managed by Chuck Avarello and Patrick Stewart. The company has now risen to repairing large industrial apparatus and has become an industry leader with its top-quality service.