Rising prices and supply chain issues are just a couple of challenges that specialty contractor firms have had to overcome in recent years. Despite these headwinds, Buist Electric, based in Byron Center, Mich., has continued to grow, achieving year-over-year revenue increases, from $81 million in 2020, to $84 million in 2021, to $107 million in 2022, an increase over three years of nearly 28%. 

For that reason and other factors, Buist Electric has been named the ENR Midwest Specialty Contractor of the Year. The employee-owned firm specializes in audio visual, communications, automation, contracting, engineering services, outdoor utilities and testing. 

Buist has built long-standing relationships with many of its customers. It provides ongoing service and has been involved in large construction projects for Perrigo, an over-the-counter self-care company, and completed more than 60 jobs and service facilities for Stryker, a medical tech firm. Buist was the electrical contractor for a renovation and expansion project at Hudsonville Ice Cream and for construction of the 611,000-sq-ft Trinity Health (Mercy Health) Muskegon Hospital.

The contractor also supports the community through its charitable efforts. In 2022 it provided $350,000 in direct support to needy families through its community foundation. It also operates the Buist Community Assistance Center, a food and clothing pantry that provides for about 150 families each week.  Employees also serve on boards including the Michigan Electrical Administrative Board. 

We’ll have more information about the firm’s achievements when Buist is profiled in the Sept. 18 edition of ENR Midwest, alongside the full rankings for the region's Top Specialty Contractors. The firm will also be honored at an awards ceremony later this year in Chicago.