about this company
Schneider Electric develops connected technologies and solutions to manage energy and processes in ways that are safe, reliable, efficient and sustainable. The Group invests in R&D in order to sustain innovation and differentiation, with a strong commitment to sustainable development.
Life is On: Our promise
The change in our world is more profound than ever, driven by a new scale and speed of urbanization, digitization, and industrialization. New technologies, enabling for the first time distributed and connected energy, challenge us to redefine the way we live.
We believe access to energy is a basic human right. We want everyone on our planet to have access to reliable, safe, efficient, and sustainable energy. At Schneider Electric, we are committed to innovating solutions that address this energy paradox, balancing our planet’s carbon footprint and supporting the undisputable right of everyone to quality energy.
We invent technologies that will transform the places where we live, work, and play. With our ingenious design philosophy, we deliver solutions that integrate seamlessly to our environment, supporting the rhythm of our lives, empowering people to do more with less.
As the global leader in energy management and automation, we provide connected technologies that will reshape industries, transform cities, and enrich lives.
At Schneider Electric, we call this Life Is On.
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.
Early 21st century
- 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, becoming the global specialist in energy management.
- 2010: Schneider Electric strengthens its lead in the development of the Smart Grid, with the acquisition of the distribution activities of Areva T&D.
- 2011: Schneider Electric acquires leading software firm Telvent to reinforce its solution capability for the smart grid and mission-critical infrastructure.
