NRG Controls celebrating 50 years of innovation, service & growth

NRG Controls is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2026, marking five decades of innovation, customer service and growth in the building automation industry.

Founded in 1976 by Tom McClay in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, NRG Controls began as a small automatic temperature controls (ATC) contractor with four employees. Five decades later, the company has grown into a full-service building systems integrator serving customers across Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Alabama, West Virginia, and Ohio.

“I was a little reluctant to start the company,” recalled McClay, who spent the first 32 years of NRG Controls’ history helping shape its culture, values, and vision before retiring in 2008. “I was 27 years old at the time, had a wife and a small child, but still had that spirit that led me to do it in the first place.”

Today, NRG Controls employs nearly 200 professionals at four branch offices and serves more than 300 customers. The company provides integrated building system solutions that help organizations operate smarter, safer and more efficiently, including building automation systems (BAS), security and access control, fire alarm and life safety systems, lighting controls, energy management and service and preventative maintenance programs.

“Reaching 50 years in business is more than a milestone for NRG Controls,” said Dave Sholtis, Chief Executive Officer. “It is a reflection of our loyal customers, employees and partners who have placed their trust in us. Our success was built on relationships, technical expertise, and a commitment to delivering value. As we celebrate the company’s history, we are also focused on implementing the next generation of solutions and opportunities for our customers and employees.”

Throughout its history, NRG Controls has continually adapted to the evolving building automation industry. What began as a building controls company has expanded to encompass security, life safety, lighting, energy management and other integrated solutions designed to help organizations manage increasingly complex facilities.

The 50th anniversary comes during a period of continued momentum for the company. Recent milestones include the acquisition of Nexgen Automation in Harrisburg, expansion into new territories and the addition of new services. These efforts have strengthened NRG Controls’ ability to serve education, healthcare, government, commercial, industrial and institutional customers with integrated building system solutions.