July 25, 2025

LSU Community Mourns the Loss of Newtron Group Founder

News Summary

The LSU community remembers Newton Thomas, the founder and CEO of The Newtron Group, who passed away at 81. His significant contributions to the electrical construction industry and support for LSU reflect his lasting legacy. From his early days as a student to his impactful leadership, Thomas shaped both his company and the engineering field. He is remembered for instilling core values in his organization and fostering a commitment to community service, leaving an indelible mark on future generations.

BATON ROUGE, LA – Newton Thomas, the founder, owner, and CEO of The Newtron Group, passed away at the age of 81. His contributions to the electrical construction industry and dedication to his alma mater, Louisiana State University (LSU), have left a lasting impact on many.

Thomas was a member of the LSU Laboratory School’s Class of 1962 and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from LSU in 1967. While at LSU, he was actively involved in campus life, playing for the LSU baseball team, serving as a cheerleader, and being a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity. In recognition of his achievements, Thomas was named a finalist for LSU’s Alumnus of the Year in 2015.

He began his professional journey shortly after graduating, working as a project estimator, and served a notable two-year term as president at Southern Instruments from 1967 to 1971. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to found The Newtron Group in 1973 in partnership with two other LSU graduates after leaving Southern Instruments. This company started as a union instrumentation contractor, quickly establishing itself within the industry.

In 1982, Thomas expanded his business ventures by launching Triad Electric and Controls, which offered a merit-shop version of Newtron. Under his leadership, The Newtron Group grew significantly and currently employs over 4,500 individuals across Louisiana, California, Texas, and Nevada. The company, valued at $1 billion, has earned distinction as one of the largest privately-owned specialty electrical construction firms in the United States and as a leader in industrial electrical and instrumentation services.

The Newtron Group has also received several accolades for its excellence in service and operations. Among its honors is the Business Report’s Large Private Company of the Year Award, and in 2012, it was ranked as the seventh-largest industrial electrical contractor in the U.S. by ENR Magazine. The company has been involved in providing electrical instrumentation services for numerous chemical plants and oil refineries along the Mississippi River in Baton Rouge.

Central to Thomas’s leadership philosophy were his core values emphasizing respect and dignity for all employees, which are prominently displayed in job site trailers and office environments. This commitment to fostering a supportive workplace culture has been highlighted in memorial posts from The Newtron Group following his passing, noting his vision and the lasting impact he had on shaping the company’s identity.

Beyond his business endeavors, Thomas played a vital role in the LSU community. He served as the founding chairman of the Dean’s Advisory Council of the LSU College of Engineering, where he contributed significantly to the growth and development of engineering programs. In 1994, Thomas was inducted into the LSU College of Engineering Hall of Distinction, recognizing his remarkable contributions to the field.

In addition to his contributions to education and the engineering workforce, Thomas was also known for his philanthropic efforts. He served as the past chairman for AMIkids of Baton Rouge, a nonprofit organization dedicated to rehabilitating adjudicated youth. His commitment to community service and leadership earned him a Business Report Hall of Fame honor in 2018.

Notably, his peers affectionately referred to him as “Newtron,” a nickname that originated during his electrical engineering studies at LSU and became emblematic of his professional identity. Newton Thomas leaves behind a legacy characterized by innovation, commitment to community, and a dedication to nurturing the next generation of leaders in the engineering sector. His influence and vision will continue to resonate within both the industry and the LSU community for years to come.