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1918
Harry Sam Horwitz was born in a small town in Lithuania in 1885. He was the second of five children. The family moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota in 1895 and his father opened a grocery store and the family started to grow.
After learning the plumbing trade, Harry went into business with a friend, Tony Miller, and in 1918 branched out to create Harry S. Horwitz & Co., and opened an office in downtown Minneapolis on 3rd Street South and 4th Avenue.
1950s
The 1950s marked a decade of growth and transformation for Horwitz. In 1950, the company relocated to 318 South Third Street in Minneapolis, establishing a new home base for its expanding operations. By 1954, Horwitz took a significant step forward, incorporating as Harry S. Horwitz & Co., Inc. To accommodate further growth, the company moved again in 1958, settling at 1411 11th Avenue South in Minneapolis, solidifying its presence in the city’s thriving business landscape.
1960s
The 1960s were a time of transition and evolution for Horwitz. Founder Harry S. Horwitz remained active with the company until this decade, after which leadership began to emerge from within the organization. In 1967, the company marked its continued growth by adopting a new legal name, H.S. Horwitz, Inc., reflecting the vision of its emerging leadership team while honoring the strong legacy established by its founder.
1980s
The 1980s were a pivotal decade for Horwitz, as the company transitioned from its roots in plumbing construction to becoming a leader in full mechanical systems. Renamed Horwitz, Inc. in 1980, the firm quickly gained recognition for tackling complex projects, earning its place as the trusted partner for many of downtown Minneapolis’s most iconic buildings. In 1982, Horwitz relocated to a larger facility in New Hope, reflecting its substantial growth and laying the foundation for continued success in delivering innovative solutions for challenging structures.
1990s
The 1990s marked the beginning of Horwitz’s enduring relationship with Target Corporation, highlighted by contributions to several of Target’s corporate buildings, including the iconic Target Plaza that defines the Minneapolis skyline. During this time, Horwitz also played a pivotal role in transforming the Downtown East neighborhood with the construction of two 17-story Wells Fargo office towers, the largest office project in Minneapolis since 1992.
2000s
The 2000s were a pivotal decade for Horwitz, marked by strategic growth and consolidation. With the acquisition of NSI in 2007, Horwitz expanded its expertise in service and preventative maintenance while gaining additional sheet metal capabilities. This move integrated all aspects of Horwitz’s HVAC services—both hydronic and air-side—under one roof. By bringing both companies into a unified office and warehouse location, Horwitz streamlined operations, reinforcing its position as a trusted partner for maintaining and optimizing critical infrastructure.
2010s
The 2010s were a transformative decade for Horwitz, marked by significant expansions in both capabilities and services. In 2014, we built a state-of-the-art plumbing and piping fabrication shop, improving system quality and enabling just-in-time delivery for expedited schedules. The following year, we acquired Tempco, Inc. and became an Authorized Building Controls Specialist (ABC) certified by Johnson Controls, allowing us to offer comprehensive building automation systems. In 2015, we also acquired Thermech, specializing in thermal and vapor barriers for mechanical systems.
We continued to grow with the addition of electrical services in 2016. In 2017, we acquired TNC Industries, Inc., strengthening our expertise in industrial ventilation, and moved to our current facility in New Hope. In 2018, we celebrated our 100th anniversary and again broadened our offerings to include millwright services allowing us to better service the industrial market.
2020s
The 2020s have been a pivotal decade for Horwitz, marked by significant leadership transitions and strategic expansions. In 2023, Bill McKoskey announced his retirement, and Matt Dekkers was named President and CEO, ushering in a new era of leadership. In 2024, Horwitz merged Tempco into the Horwitz brand, welcoming new division leaders to further strengthen the firm’s capabilities. This year also saw the acquisition of Preferred Electric, solidifying Horwitz’s position as a full-service MEP specialty contractor.
December 2024 marks the firm’s comprehensive rebrand, reflecting its growth and enhanced position in the marketplace.
Serving commercial, industrial, and institutional clients, our comprehensive capabilities include mechanical, electrical, plumbing, building automation systems and controls, mechanical insulation, industrial ventilation and equipment setting. By integrating experts across diverse trades and professions, we are able to assemble the best team for each project, providing holistic, cost-effective solutions that exceed expectations.
At Horwitz, we deliver unmatched expertise through every phase of your facility’s journey— from design and preconstruction to fabrication, construction, and ongoing preventative maintenance and repair. Our team ensures that your systems operate efficiently and effectively, maximizing your investment from the ground up and beyond. Explore how our full-service approach supports your project’s success at every step.
At Horwitz, our strength lies in our people. Home to preconstruction experts, design engineers, project managers, constructors, and field technicians, our team is made up of some of the most knowledgeable technical experts in the industry. Together, we form a trusted resource for clients across the Midwest.
