Learn more about Furbay

Our History

In 1934, Ralph E. Furbay and Homer D. Sommer founded the Furbay-Sommer Company with the support of 37 stockholders. The knowledge gained from the Moock Electric Supply Company—and the expertise of Gourney Moock Furbay, Phillip Moock’s daughter, student, and Mr. Furbay’s wife—were essential in launching the company with $25,800 in capital during the Great Depression. This foundation began what has become four generations of family-run electrical distribution through Furbay Electric.

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Building a Legacy

In 1946, Ralph E. Furbay purchased Mr. Sommer’s interest and renamed the business Furbay Electric Supply Co. He led the company through the post-WWII boom at its original location, 115 Schroyer Avenue in Canton. His son, Philip M. Furbay, joined the business as a salesperson following his service as a U.S. Navy PT Boat Captain in the Pacific, carrying forward the family tradition.

During Philip’s presidency, Furbay continued to expand. In 1972, a new warehouse and corporate headquarters were built across the street, and the original building became a residential lighting showroom. In 1996, the showroom was updated and relocated to 208 Schroyer Avenue.

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Expansion into New Markets

Furbay Electric expanded its footprint in 1977 with the acquisition of Mansfield Electric Supply, Inc.—originally established in 1959. Initially serving industrial customers within a 50-mile radius of Mansfield, the branch relocated in 1980 to 2255 Stumbo Road in Ontario, Ohio. Over time, the location has grown to support the electrical needs of contractors, residential builders, commercial, industrial, institutional, and oil and gas customers across the region.

In 1996, we added a Lighting Lab at our Canton headquarters to showcase a wide range of lighting applications and technologies.

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Who We Serve

Furbay Electric operates out of three locations—Canton, Mansfield, and St. Clairsville—serving customers within a 75-mile radius of each branch, reaching cities such as Canton, Akron, Mansfield, Wooster, Dover, and New Philadelphia. We provide products and solutions for a wide variety of industries, including:

• Residential construction

• Commercial buildings

• Industrial plants and factories

• Government and institutional facilities

• Schools and universities

• Hospitals and medical centers

• Churches and places of worship

• Oil and gas operations

• Data centers and technology hubs

We maintain over $18 million in inventory from 175 top brand manufacturers, supported by experienced sales representatives and certified lighting consultants. Our goal is to provide timely, reliable service backed by industry expertise.

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Ongoing Growth & Innovation

Furbay Electric continues to grow alongside Ohio’s evolving industries. We are actively expanding our presence in the oil and gas sector, especially through our St. Clairsville branch, and we are increasingly supporting the electrical needs of data centers and large-scale developments near Johnstown, Ohio, and throughout central Ohio’s growing tech corridor. As infrastructure and innovation expand in the region, Furbay remains a trusted supplier, offering tailored solutions for high-demand, high-tech projects.

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Proudly Part of the Community

Furbay Electric has been a proud member of the Greater Canton Chamber of Commerce since 1934. We take pride in knowing our products are used in the buildings and systems that support daily life in our communities. From large institutions to small businesses and family homes, we are honored to play a part in powering Ohio.

 

Our Commitment

Now in our fourth generation, Furbay Electric remains committed to offering high-quality, innovative products and personalized service. We strive to be the leading electrical supplier in every market we serve while fostering a workplace where our associates can succeed and take pride in their work.