Schneider

170 years of history

From 1836 to today, Schneider Electric has transformed itself into the global specialist in energy management.  Starting from its roots in the iron and steel industry, heavy machinery, and ship building, it moved into electricity and automation management. After 170 years of history, Schneider Electric has become today the solution provider that will help you make the most of your energy.  Discover its transformation below.

19th century

    * 1836: The Schneider brothers took over the Creusot foundries. Two years later, they created Schneider & Cie..
    * 1891: Having become an armaments specialist, Schneider innovated by launching itself into the emerging electricity market.

First half of the 20th century

    * 1919: Installation of Schneider in Germany and Eastern Europe via the European Industrial and Financial Union (EIFU).
      In the years that followed, Schneider associated with Westinghouse, a major international electrical group.  The Group enlarged its activity to manufacturing electrical motors, electrical equipment for power stations and electric locomotives.
    * Post war: Schneider gradually abandoned armaments and turned to construction, iron and steel works and electricity. The company was completely reorganised in order to diversify and open up to new markets.

Late 20th century

    * 1981-1997: Schneider Group continued to focus on the electrical industry by separating from its non-strategic activities.  This policy was given concrete form through strategic acquisitions by Schneider Group: Telemecanique in 1988, Square D in 1991 and Merlin Gerin in 1992.
    * 1999: Development of Installation, Systems and Control with the acquisition of Lexel, Europe’s number two in electrical distribution. In May 1999 the Group was renamed Schneider Electric, to more clearly emphasise its expertise in the electrical field. The Group engaged in a strategy of accelerated growth and competitiveness.
    * 2000-2009: Period of organic growth, positioning itself in new market segments: UPS (uninterruptible power supply), movement control, building automation and security through acquisitions of APC, Clipsal, TAC, Pelco, Xantrex, and more.

	Since its introduction to the world nearly a century ago, the SQUARE D brand name has become synonymous with unsurpassed innovation, safety, and quality in the electrical industry. Today, as one of the three global master brands of Schneider Electric—along with TELEMECANIQUE and MERLIN GERIN—that reputation lives on. The origin of the SQUARE D name is legendary. In 1915, the Detroit Fuse and Manufacturing Company introduced a stamped steel version of its enclosed safety switch. Embossed on the switch cover was a square with a capital 'D' for Detroit. The safety switch became so popular that customers requested the 'Square D' safety switch. Two years later, the company, capitalizing on the market demand for this product, changed its name to Square D Company. Today, the SQUARE D brand name remains one of the few created by its customers. in 1991, Schneider Electric acquired Square D Company and added one of the most highly recognized and well-respected brands in the electrical industry to its portfolio.
	A respected international brand for more than 80 years, TELEMECANIQUE continues its rich heritage as a global leader in machine process and motor control applications. Since inventing the first industrial contactor in 1924, Telemecanique has continued to pioneer new electrical control technology including the development of the first thermal relays, float switches, and pressure gauges in 1925. Innovative excellence continued to define the brand as new products were introduced over the next half-century in the areas of digital and speed control, photoelectric sensing, and human machine interface (HMI). Schneider Electric acquired Telemecanique in 1988. Today, TELEMECANIQUE remains the company's leadership brand for IEC type industrial control and automation products.
	In 1920, Paul-Louis Merlin and Gaston Gerin created the Merlin Gerin Company and, in 1921, introduced the world's first range of high voltage, oil circuit breakers. Over the next 70 years, the strength of the MERLIN GERIN brand grew as the company expanded its operations worldwide. Key MERLIN GERIN innovations include the pneumatically operated circuit breaker, the first 245,000 volt Hexabloc metal clad substation, the MULTI-9™ range of low voltage circuit breakers, the MASTERPACT® molded case circuit breaker, and the COMPACT™ NS circuit breaker. in 1992, Schneider Electric completed the acquisition of Merlin Gerin. Today, MERLIN GERIN remains a leading international brand in IEC type electrical circuit protection products.

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