The history of Schneider Electric
The history of Schneider Electric
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 (71), which were in difficulty. 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 Electric continued to focus on the electrical industry by separating from its non-strategic activities. This policy was given concrete form through strategic acquisitions: Telemecanique in 1988, Square D in 1991 and Merlin Gerin in 1992 became part of the Schneider Electric Group.
• 1999: Development of Ultra Terminal with the acquisition of Lexel, European N°2 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.
Source: "Schneider, l'Histoire en force".
(available only in French)
Tristan de la Broise et Felix Torres. De Monza editions.
The history of Square D
Square D Company began in 1902 as a small two-man operation, the McBride Manufacturing Company, making electrical fuse links. In 1908, the expanded company, known as the Detroit Fuse and Manufacturing Company, became the first US manufacturer of enclosed safety switches.
The name Square D originated from one of the company's first products, a new safety switch with the company's new logo, a "D" (for Detroit) inside a square. The product quickly became the industry standard and many customers began asking for "those square D switches." The trademark was developed in 1915, and the name Square D Company was formally adopted in 1917. To this day, Square D is one of the few companies ever named by its customers.
On May 24, 1991, Square D Company merged with Schneider Electric of Paris, France. Schneider Electric is the world's leading manufacturer of electrical distribution and industrial control and automation products and systems, and the only manufacturer dedicated solely to the distribution and control of electricity.