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Schneider Electric
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Schneider Electric is a French global company. It was founded in 1836 by two brothers, Eugène I and Adolphe Schneider.
In the first part of the 20th century, Schneider et Cie associated itself with Westinghouse Systems who were a major international electrical group at the time. The group began manufacturing electric motors and locomotives. After the Second World War, the armaments businesses were abandoned in favor of electrical engineering, and iron and steel works.
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Schneider Electric is a French global company. It was founded in 1836 by two brothers, Eugène I and Adolphe Schneider.
In the first part of the 20th century, Schneider et Cie associated itself with Westinghouse Systems who were a major international electrical group at the time. The group began manufacturing electric motors and locomotives. After the Second World War, the armaments businesses were abandoned in favor of electrical engineering, and iron and steel works. The company remained in this sector until the early 1980s.
In 1981, Groupe Schneider was broken up, focusing on the electrical and controls industry. This was followed by strategic acquisitions of Telemecanique (1988), Square D (1991) and Merlin Gerin (1992) and it is these brands that are the core products of the company's offering.
In 1999, Groupe Schneider was renamed Schneider Electric. The Schneider company also acquired The Lexel Group that year.
Today, the company has grown into a world leader in Power and Control solutions through further acquisitions: Power Measurement in 2005, MGE UPS Systems, Clipsal, TAC, Nulec, Andover Controls, GET plc and Citect in 2006, and American Power Conversion in 2007.
Veris Industries, an electronic sensor manufacturer, was acquired in 1999. The newest acquisitation for the company is Pelco, a video and security system manufacturer. The transaction closed on October 17th, 2007.
History
1836, beginnings
In 1836 the brothers Eugène and Adolphe Schneider took over an abandoned foundry at Le Creusot, which allowed them to participate in the industrial revolution. The company's main focus was on the steel industry, working on train tracks, ships and various other types of heavy machinery.
1870-1944, first activities
Eugène's son, Henri Schneider, took the company to the next level when he pushed it into the new production methods that were appearing during the 1860s and the 1870s, making it possible to make cheaper but stronger steel. With their innovative methods, Schneider quickly became one of the European leaders in the armament and heavy machinery industry. In the meantime, Eugène's other son, Eugène II, was making transactions and investments in several countries.
Most of the company's income came from the armament sector, but after World War I the company started focusing more on the development of electricity and steel as everyday products. It is also during this time that Merlin Gerin, Telemecanique and Square D started prospering. After World War I Schneider adopted an expansion strategy, going into Germany and East Europe. This strategy was put on hold when WWII started.
1944-1981, changes and difficulties
After the Liberation of France, Schneider was forced to face a new crisis. The group's new chief, Charles Schneider, progressively abandoned the armament industry in favor of civilian sectors. The company completely changed in 1949, adapting itself to the challenges brought by the post-war world.
Charles Schneider's violent death during August 1960 brought up a succession problem. The company was also suffering in its key sectors. Baron Edouard-Jean Empain took control of the group in 1969. He unsuccessfully tried to diversify the groups traditional main sectors. Eventually, alliances started developing with other companies.
1981-2000, from Schneider to Schneider Electric
In 1981, Didier Pineau-Valencienne changed the company's structure, completely eliminating the sectors that were in crisis, such as iron, steel and marine construction.
After getting the company financially on its feet, thanks to new investors and changes in the company's structure, Schneider started an expansion period at the end of the 1980s. After having absorbed much of Merlin Gerin (1986), Pineau-Valencienne started buying companies such as Télémecanique (1988) and Square D (1991).
In May 1999, under the leadership of its new CEO, Henri Lachmann, Group Schneider changed its name to Schneider Electric, marking its principal objective in the electrical field.
2000-today, growth
Schneider Electric's strategy involves growth internally and externally, developing its geographical positions. Henri Lachmann retired in 2007 to be replaced by Jean-Pascal Tricoire.
Now Jean-Pascal Tricoire is the Chairman and the CEO of the company. As of December 15, Schneider Electric announced its plans to lay off 10% of their workforce including many high level management positions.
In October 2008, the company's Canadian division, Schneider Electric PMC Victoria, was named one of BC's Top Employers by Mediacorp Canada Inc., which was announced by The Vancouver Sun, The Province and the Victoria Times-Colonist.
Technology Centers
Schneider electric also has a number of R&D centers like
which mainly focus on Electromechanical, Electronic and software developments to meet the global product requirements.
Alliances
- Maverick Technologies (2008+) .
- Solar Sailor Holdings Ltd
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See also
External links
Global Sites:
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