History of Schneider Electric
The company Schneider Electric was founded in France by brothers Schneider, Adolphe and Joseph, after they acquired the firm Le Creusot in 1836. From that moment until the end of World War II, the company was engaged in the production of armaments, heavy engineering, and metallurgy. During this time, the company's name changed several times.
Reorientation to Electrical Engineering
The company began to take shape in its new form only in the 1980s. Schneider Electric gradually shifted away from heavy industry in favor of electrical engineering and automation systems, incorporating many well-known firms into its structure at that time.
Major Acquisitions of the Company
- The first significant acquisition was the company Merlin Gerin, which specializes in the production of electrical equipment.
- Next, the company Telemecanique joined Schneider, focusing on industrial process automation (contactors, frequency converters, soft starters).
- The purchase of Square D made Schneider Electric one of the leaders in the electrical equipment market.
Focus on the B2C Market
Subsequently, acquisitions by Schneider Electric became oriented towards the B2C market, particularly in the residential construction sector, including the concept of "smart homes." One such acquisition was the company TAC, which specializes in managing building engineering systems.
Modern Technologies and Products
One of the latest significant acquisitions is the company APC, which specializes in uninterruptible power supplies and data center resource management systems. Thanks to these acquisitions, Schneider Electric has become capable of independently addressing a variety of multifaceted tasks in its market segment.
New Achievements in the 21st Century
In the 21st century, Schneider Electric offers new products that make the company one of the most recognized in the global energy market. For example, the company's circuit breakers, which are the best-selling in the world, reliably protect equipment from short circuits and overloads.
Product Range
- Frequency converters from Schneider Electric are used in all industries to enhance work safety and reduce energy consumption.
- Soft starters provide a smooth start for electric motors, maintaining parameters within safe limits.
Schneider Electric operates over two hundred factories worldwide and employs more than 120,000 workers, thanks to the successful activities of companies specializing in the production of electrical equipment.