Schneider Electric

Schneider Electric: Global Leader in Digital Automation, Energy Management, and Sustainable Innovation

Schneider is an international brand synonymous with innovation, reliability, and leadership in energy management and automation. Nearly two centuries old, Schneider has developed from its humble beginnings as a heavy industry player to the provider of electrical distribution, industrial automation, and digital transformation leadership it is now. Schneider Electric and its brands are now part of the infrastructure of homes, businesses, and industries globally, transforming how we use and manage energy for a more efficient future.

History:

Early Foundations and Expansion

Schneider’s story began in 1836 when the Schneider brothers acquired the Creusot foundry in France, establishing Schneider & Cie as a major player in steel and engineering. The company initially focused on heavy industry, including steel production and armaments, before gradually shifting towards electricity and energy markets as these sectors emerged.

 

 

Transition to Energy and Technology:

By the mid-20th century, Schneider had diversified into electrical equipment, notably after acquiring Merlin Gerin in 1975. This acquisition marked a decisive shift away from defense and heavy industry, positioning Schneider at the forefront of electrical distribution and automation technology. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Schneider further refined its focus, divesting from defense and investing heavily in electrical and digital solutions.

Global Growth and Acquisitions

Schneider’s growth strategy has been defined by significant acquisitions, including Square D, Telemecanique, and more recently, Invensys and AVEVA. These moves expanded Schneider’s capabilities in building automation, industrial control, and digital transformation, making it a global leader in energy management and automation. Today, Schneider Electric operates in over 100 countries and employs more than 137,000 people worldwide.

Main Products

Schneider’s product portfolio is vast, catering to residential, commercial, and industrial markets. Its offerings are organized into several core categories:

Electrical Distribution:

Circuit breakers, switchgear, panel boards, and power distribution units are foundational to Schneider’s product range. The Square D brand, in particular, is renowned for its circuit breakers and electrical panels, especially in North America.

Automation and Control:

Schneider provides programmable logic controllers (PLCs), motor starters, contactors, push buttons, and human-machine interfaces (HMIs) for industrial automation.

Energy Management:

Solutions such as power monitoring systems, energy meters, and power factor correction equipment help optimize energy usage and efficiency.

 Critical Power and Cooling:

Uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), surge protection devices, and data center infrastructure ensure reliable power for critical applications.

Building Automation:

Schneider’s EcoStruxure platform integrates IoT, software, and hardware for smart building management, enabling energy savings, security, and operational efficiency.

 Residential Solutions:

Smart home systems like the Wiser Energy System provide real-time energy monitoring and integration with smart devices.

Electric Vehicle Charging:

The EVlink line offers reliable charging solutions for electric vehicles, addressing the growing demand for e-mobility infrastructure.

 

Most Known and Usable Products

Some of Schneider’s most recognized and widely used products include:

 

These products are staples in electrical installations, industrial automation, and building management systems worldwide.

Industries Involved

Schneider’s solutions serve a broad spectrum of industries, including:

Buildings and Construction:

Energy management, automation, and security solutions for residential, commercial, and public buildings.

Industrial Manufacturing:

Automation, control, and safety systems for factories, processing plants, and machine builders.

Energy and Utilities:

 Grid automation, medium and low voltage distribution, and power quality solutions for utilities and energy providers.

Data Centers and IT:

Critical power, cooling, and infrastructure management for data centers and IT facilities.

Healthcare:

Reliable power and building management systems for hospitals and clinics.

Transportation and Infrastructure:

Solutions for airports, railways, and smart cities, including energy distribution and automation.

Oil, Gas, and Mining:

Automation and safety systems for energy extraction, processing, and distribution.

 

 

 

 

 

Sub-Companies and Brands Under Schneider

Schneider Electric’s global presence is reinforced by a portfolio of renowned sub-brands and acquired companies, each contributing specialized expertise:

 

These brands have been integrated into Schneider’s operations, expanding its reach and capabilities across diverse markets and technological domains.

Notable Subsidiaries

Some of the key subsidiaries operating under the Schneider Electric SE umbrella include:

AVEVA Group:

A global leader in industrial software and digital transformation, focusing on engineering, operations, and performance.

Schneider Electric President Systems Ltd:

Specializes in electrical products and systems.

France Transfo SAS:

Designs and manufactures distribution and power transformers.

Schneider Electric Industries SAS:

Manufactures and sells a broad range of electrical devices and solutions.

Sarel-Appareillage Electrique SAS:

Engaged in the manufacturing and distribution of control equipment.

Boissière Finance SNC:

Functions as a holding company within the Schneider group.

Innovation and Market Impact

Schneider’s commitment to innovation is evident in its vast portfolio of patents and its ongoing investment in R&D. The company’s EcoStruxure platform exemplifies its leadership in the Internet of Things (IoT) for energy and automation, enabling seamless integration of hardware, software, and analytics for smarter, more efficient operations.

Schneider’s products are installed in 40%–60% of buildings in major cities worldwide, underscoring its pervasive influence in the built environment. Its solutions are trusted by facility managers, engineers, and end-users for their reliability, scalability, and forward compatibility.

Schneider stands as a pillar of the global energy management and automation industry, with a rich legacy of innovation, strategic acquisitions, and a relentless focus on sustainability and digital transformation. Its products and solutions are integral to the functioning of homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure around the world. Through its extensive network of sub-brands and subsidiaries, Schneider continues to shape the future of energy, automation, and smart technology.

If you need assistance in any part of the ERCuniverse or are looking for answers to more specialized questions, contact the ERCuniverse specialists via email at [email protected] or WhatsApp at +372 5734 9889