Our History: Lighting the Way Since the Turn of the Century

Roberts Manufacturing opened for business in 1895 as a company that specialized in crafting what was the prevalent lighting of the times–custom gas light fixtures. Soon after the turn of the century, as communities slowly began to modernize from gas lighting to
electrification, the company embraced the future; they repositioned themselves as electrical contractors and became Roberts Electric Co.

Roberts Manufacturing: The historical significance

Several of our customers have forwarded images of antique lighting roberts electric_fixtures3.jpgfixtures that were imprinted with “all right reserved Roberts Manufacturing”. One customer found some of these fixtures in an old home and wondered if they had any historical significance for us—and they do. These beautiful fixtures were all produced by Roberts Manufacturing in the early 1900s.

Fine craftsmanship, attention to details

Roberts Manufacturing produced and shipped lighting fixtures roberts electric_fixtures1around the country. They were beautifully crafted of premium materials that were often
embellished or carved. There were no synthetics in those days, so these fixtures were heavy and substantial, often with intricate details that were a testament to quality workmanship. Leaded glass and crystal bulbs were ornately shaped or carved. Materials included cut glass and milk glass, crystal, brass and cast iron, along with handmade shades that were often etched by hand. The lamp bases were also sculpted into unique designs and even chandelier chains would be embellished in some way.

roberts electric_fixtures2.jpg

We’ve come a long way . . .

Family-owned for more than 80 years, we’ve come a long way from those early days, and we now have robust commercial tenant improvement and industrial divisions along with our residential custom construction and remodel division, but we’ve never strayed from our roots.

roberts electric_fixtures4.jpgQuality products and craftsmanship, attention to detail and a commitment to customer service are the values that enabled Roberts Manufacturing to build a successful market for their lighting fixtures.

After more than a century, these are the same qualities that Roberts Electric values today. Our commitment to our team, our product and our clients is what has helped us continue to grow our own Bay Area footprint.

As Oakland has evolved, so has Roberts

We like that people recognize the RECO brand on our trucks as we drive through the City’s neighborhoods. We’re proud to have played a role in Oakland’s historic development and excited to be part of the vibrant city that Oakland is today. We’re a company that’s transcended the old and embraced the new.

Our own little neighborhood is exploding with growth. We feel the energy and spirit, along with an emerging attitude that if we all work together we can get it done. We’re solving problems every single day, finding new and better ways to work with our partners, our clients and our City. This has always been a fundamental principle at RECO, and it’s key to our continued success.

One of our prized keepsakes is a RECO electrical permit from 1919 that we found while upgrading a local residence. We proudly display the permit as a reminder to ourselves, and a promise to our customers, that our work spans generations.

Contact Info


Roberts Electric Co., Inc.
1010 Calcot Place, Suite B
Oakland CA, 94606


Tel: (510) 834-6161
Fax: (510) 834-4929
info@robertselectric.com

Cal Lic #728215

ROBERTS ELECTRIC IS PROUD TO BE NAMED ONE OF THE TOP 25 LARGEST ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS BY THE SAN FRANCISCO BUSINESS AGAIN FOR 2019. WE’VE MADE THE LIST 10 TIMES IN THE LAST 12 YEARS.

Benchmarks of Quality

ROBERTS ELECTRIC HAS BEEN NAMED ONE OF THE TOP 25 LARGEST ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS BY THE SAN FRANCISCO BUSINESS 10 TIMES IN THE LAST 12 YEARS. WE WERE NAMED TO THE LIST AGAIN FOR 2019. WE ARE ALSO PROUD TO BE A DIAMOND-CERTIFIED COMPANY FOR 18 STRAIGHT YEARS Build It Green

Roberts Electric is proud to be entrusted with serving former clients of All Electric and Broadmoor Electric. We are committed to continuing their rich tradition of customer service.

  • ©2024 Roberts Electric Company (RECO)
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  • Bonded and Licensed - CA Lic #728215
  • All Worker's Compensation and Liability Insured

Roberts Electric (RECO) is proud to be Diamond Certified for 23 straight years. Roberts Electric is also a member of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) and accredited by the Better Business Bureau.

To schedule an appointment or to arrange for service, please see our service area and request a quote here, or call 510-834-6161.