ECC celebrates 110 years of design excellence

From historic street lighting to sourcing the latest lighting and furniture from Milan, ECC’s past and present is firmly entwined with the Ponsonby area.

Mike’s grandfather, George Levett Thorburn, started the Electric Construction Company (ECC) in 1909 out of a small office in Auckland’s Security Buildings to supply wholesale electrical and contracting. The company quickly grew to New Zealand’s largest lighting firm with various additional agencies including Willards Batteries from the US and distribution rights to General Motors Spare Parts for the automotive division.

But did you know that ECC and Ponsonby’s history were connected? It was George Levett Thorburn who installed the first electric light in Shelly Beach Road. The plant consisted of a 110 volt generator and a Tangi gas engine he purchased from Dr Rainer of the American Dental Parlours in Queen Street, when the dental rooms changed to electric mains installed by the City Council. The electric street light, which was quite a novelty at that particular time in Ponsonby, lightened the path for the suburb’s development and, later on, its gentrification.

At that time, Ponsonby and the surrounding areas were regarded as working-class suburbs. It all changed in the 70s with gentrification modifying the landscape and the villas being renovated. “Until recently you could still find the Electric Construction Company name plate in many villas around Auckland, which have our original electrical switch boards,” says Mike Thorburn.

As the aspect of Ponsonby changed radically, ECC remained relevant to the new homeowners. When Mike Thorburn joined the company in 1980 he recognised the changing tastes of the clientele and since then has focused on providing access to the world’s best designers, through leading design manufacturers including iGuzzini, Flos, Artemide and Magis. “If you’ve come across a pendant composed of 4000 goose feathers, a horse with a lampshade on its head or sat on the famous Bombo bar stool, you’ve come into contact with one of these design houses curated by ECC,” says Mike Thorburn.

It all starts with Mike’s annual pilgrimage to the Milan Furniture Fair, where the new collections embody the latest in international style. In Italy, he sources new products, uncovers design trends and builds relationships with overseas suppliers, in order to bring these influences to his New Zealand clientele. ECC’s extensive supplier network makes it one of the only showrooms in the world with such a wide range of major design names under the same roof. ECC has forged long-standing relationships with many suppliers such as Minotti, a major Italian design manufacturer, also a family business. “Many of our suppliers are old family businesses as well,” says Mike. “They like the fact that we believe in honesty, integrity and enduring relationships.”

The Minotti Studio, a dedicated space within ECC’s newly renovated showroom, has recently opened and a Minotti representative was present at the recent 110th anniversary event as a special guest. “The 110-year anniversary is a notable milestone to reach under any circumstances, but to still be a privately owned family business is a real achievement,” says Mike. “We’re so proud of how far ECC has come and we are excited to continue to push boundaries and watch it evolve further in the future under the guidance of our family.”

With his eye for design, Mike Thorburn will not only continue to lead New Zealand’s luxury furniture and lighting business, he will also be influencing Ponsonby’s inhabitants by contributing monthly to Ponsonby News. In the home section, Mike Thorburn will explore New Zealand’s renovation culture, the increase in apartment living and share his thoughts on different designs blends and trends. “My anticipation of seeing new products from the design elite, uncovering the trends for the year ahead and discovering young stars of the future has kept my enthusiasm high.” Stay tuned!

ECC, 39 Nugent Street, Grafton, T: 09 379 9680, www.ecc.co.nz