Imperial Electric Company (IEC) was founded in 1931 by Mr. Abdul Ghani Khan (Late) with humble beginnings on Brandreth Road (now Nishter Road), Lahore. It was one of only two Muslim-owned electrical engineering and trading companies in the Indian Sub-Continent, laying the foundation for decades of innovation and industrial growth.
With humble beginnings on Brandreth Road (now Nishter Road), IEC was one of two Muslim trading houses of electrical goods in the Indian subcontinent. Founded by Mr. Abdul Ghani Khan, the company started as a small trading house and grew to become a leading group of companies in electrical engineering, trading, construction, and manufacturing.
IEC provided lighting and sound system free of charge at the historic Pakistan Resolution event at Minto Park (now Iqbal Park), Lahore. This marked IEC's commitment to the nation's cause and demonstrated the company's technical capabilities in large-scale electrical installations.
Electric Equipment Manufacturing Co. Ltd (now known as EMCO Industries Ltd) was established to manufacture low-voltage porcelain products. This marked IEC's entry into manufacturing, expanding beyond trading into production of electrical equipment.
The first high-voltage transmission line, Warsak-Kharian (132KV), was awarded and completed by the construction division of IEC. This project established IEC as a leader in power transmission infrastructure in Pakistan.
Mr. Abdul Ghani Khan retired from active participation in the company's affairs but remained a source of continued strength and inspiration. Leadership transitioned to the second generation, with Mr. A. Rehman as Managing Director of The Imperial Electric Co. Ltd., and Mr. Ata-ur-Rehman as Managing Director of The Electric Equipment Manufacturing Co. Ltd. (EMCO).
As IEC's Construction Division grew, it was formally spun off to an independent company called Imperial Construction Company (now ICC). This allowed both companies to focus on their core competencies and expand their operations more effectively.
EMCO expanded significantly with technical collaboration from NGK Insulators Ltd. of Japan. The company became the only plant of its kind in Pakistan, manufacturing high-tension porcelain insulators. EMCO secured major contracts with WAPDA, including a Rs. 6 million contract for a 220-kv transmission line between Kala Shah Kaku and Nishatabad (Lyallpur).
Mr. Abdul Ghani Khan, the founder of The Imperial Electric Company Ltd., passed away on 19th September, 1979, at the age of 89. He lived to see the company he started from a small trading house in 1931 become a group of companies leading in electrical engineering, trading, construction, manufacturing, and civil engineering construction in Pakistan.
EMCO expanded its operations by adding porcelain wall and floor tiles to its portfolio of products. This diversification demonstrated the company's ability to adapt and grow in new markets while maintaining its core expertise in porcelain manufacturing.
ICC Textiles was established, further diversifying the Imperial Group's portfolio. This expansion into the textile industry demonstrated the group's strategic vision and ability to enter new sectors while maintaining excellence across all operations.
The Lightning Arrester Division was inaugurated on March 6, 1996, by H.E. Mr. Jürgen Kleiner, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany. This marked another significant milestone in EMCO's expansion and its collaboration with international partners.
IEC started assembly of diesel generators using Deutz engines. This venture into power generation equipment further strengthened IEC's position as a comprehensive electrical solutions provider, meeting the growing demand for reliable backup power systems.
ICC and Al-Tamimi Group of KSA joined hands and entered into a joint venture, establishing Arabian Electrical Transmission Line Construction Company (AETCON). This marked the group's expansion into the Middle East and demonstrated its international capabilities.
Imperial Soft (Pvt) Ltd. was born out of a joint venture between IEC and KLV (GmbH) Germany as a software development back office for German software clients. This venture marked the group's entry into the technology sector, showcasing its adaptability and forward-thinking approach.
IEC successfully completed its first Airfield Lighting project at Mary International Airport, Turkmenistan. This project demonstrated IEC's capability to execute complex international projects and marked its entry into specialized airport infrastructure.
Today, the Imperial Group stands as a symbol of excellence, serving industries across the globe while maintaining its heritage of innovation, integrity, and quality. From a small trading house in 1931 to a diversified group of companies, IEC continues to lead in electrical engineering, manufacturing, construction, and technology, building on the foundation laid by Mr. Abdul Ghani Khan and carried forward by generations of dedicated professionals.