ADVERTISEMENT

Siemens

German multinational technology conglomerate

Siemens AG, founded in 1847, is a global leader in automation, digitalization, infrastructure, rail transport, and health technology. With around 320,000 employees, it reported a revenue of €78 billion in 2023. Siemens is a key player in industrial automation and software, and a component of the DAX and Euro Stoxx 50 indices.

Related

Schneider Electric General Electric Semiconductor Telephone SAP Texas Instruments Cisco Accenture Samsung Electronics Nikola Tesla

Timeline

Siemens & Halske founded

Siemens & Halske was founded by Werner von Siemens and Johann Georg Halske on 1 October 1847. They later played a significant role in the development of the telegraph industry.

Discovery of Dynamo-Electric Principle by Werner von Siemens

In 1866, Werner von Siemens discovered the dynamo-electric principle, leading to the development of a dynamo that would later be mass-produced by 1875.

Indo-European telegraph line completed

Siemens completed the Indo-European telegraph line, stretching over 11,000 km from London to Calcutta.

Siemens laid the first transatlantic cable

In 1875, Siemens laid the first transatlantic cable, connecting Ireland and the United States. This technological achievement revolutionized communication across continents.

Siemens powered world's first electric street lighting

In 1881, Siemens used an AC Alternator driven by a watermill to power the world's first electric street lighting in Godalming, United Kingdom. This marked a significant advancement in electric power technology.

Siemens & Halske employs 6,500 people

In 1890, Siemens & Halske had 6,500 employees, establishing itself as a major player in the field of electrical engineering.

Siemens & Halske builds South Africa’s first power plant

In 1895, Siemens & Halske constructed South Africa’s inaugural power plant, utilizing cutting-edge generators that were among the largest at the time.

Siemens & Halske becomes a stock corporation

By 1897, Siemens & Halske transitioned into a stock corporation, marking a significant milestone in its corporate structure.

Siemens & Halske merges with Elektrizitäts-Aktiengesellschaft vorm. Schuckert & Co.

In 1903, Siemens & Halske merged with the major Nuremberg-based power plant builder Elektrizitäts-Aktiengesellschaft vorm. Schuckert & Co., forming the Siemens-Schuckertwerke GmbH division. This merger led to the company's involvement in the high-voltage system market.

Siemens & Halske consolidates manufacturing operations in Siemensstadt

In 1914, Siemens & Halske centralized its manufacturing operations in a Berlin suburb known as Siemensstadt, establishing a hub for its industrial activities.

Siemens re-emerges as a leading electrical engineering company after World War I

Despite significant losses in capital and subsidiaries during and after World War I, Siemens managed to re-establish itself as one of the world's top electrical engineering companies by 1919.

Formation of OSRAM

Siemens acquires shares of Deutsche Gasglühlicht AG to establish OSRAM, entering the incandescent lamp industry.

Agreement with Westinghouse

Siemens-Schuckertwerke and Westinghouse initiate a partnership through a patent and knowhow exchange agreement.

First Benson Boiler Plant

Siemens launches the first commercial Benson boiler plant at the Gartenfeld cable plant in Berlin.

Siemens-Schuckertwerke electrifies the Irish Free State

In 1929, Siemens-Schuckertwerke completed the electrification of the Irish Free State, with the main power source being the Siemens-built Ardnacrusha hydroelectric power plant.

Siemens-Schuckertwerke starts Kraftwerk West plant

In 1931, Siemens-Schuckertwerke initiated the 228-MW Kraftwerk West plant, marking its first power project at the Siemensstadt site in Berlin.

Formation of Siemens-Reiniger-Werke AG

In 1932, Siemens bundled its majority stake in Reiniger, Gebbert & Schall, which it had acquired in 1924, to create Siemens-Reiniger-Werke AG.

Siemens Headquarters City Change

In 1949, Munich becomes the headquarters city for Siemens & Halske and Erlangen becomes the headquarters for Siemens Schuckertwerke.

Siemens patents technique for ultra-pure silicon

In 1953, Siemens developed and patented a technique for producing ultra-pure silicon for semiconductor applications, which had a significant impact on the field of electrical engineering.

Siemens introduces SIMATIC control system

In 1958, Siemens introduced SIMATIC, the first transistorized control system, which marked a significant advancement in automation technology.

Siemens receives first order for VM80 gas turbine

In 1959, Siemens received its first order for the construction of a gas turbine, the VM80. This marked the beginning of Siemens' venture into gas turbine technology.

Commercial operation of Siemens VM80 gas turbine

The Siemens VM80 gas turbine, for which the company received its first order in 1959, began commercial operation in 1961. This marked a milestone in Siemens' gas turbine technology development.

Siemens introduces 220-kV SF6 high-voltage circuit breaker

In 1964, Siemens introduced a 220-kV SF6 high-voltage circuit breaker, showcasing the company's advancements in high-voltage technology. This innovation played a significant role in the electrical industry.

Formation of Siemens AG

Siemens & Halske AG, Siemens Schuckertwerke AG, and Siemens-Reiniger-Werke AG are merged to establish Siemens AG due to increased capital needs in semiconductor and computer technology sectors.

Siemens Corporate Restructuring

In 1969, Siemens refocused its corporate structure to adapt to the increasing globalization of markets and technological advancements.

Siemens initiates first thyristor-operated HVDC transmission system

In 1975, Siemens pioneered the world's first thyristor-operated long-distance HVDC transmission system, connecting the Cabora Bassa power plant in Mozambique with the Republic of South Africa.

Siemens' Successful Debut in Digitalizing Telephone Technology

In 1980, Siemens, known for its focus on microelectronics since the 1960s, achieved success in digitalizing telephone technology.

Launch of Siemens' MEGA Project for Chip Development

In 1984, Siemens initiated the MEGA project aimed at advancing the development of chips.

Siemens Restructures into 15 New Units

In 1989, Siemens underwent restructuring due to its inefficiency, dividing its eight units into 15 new, more streamlined units, two operating groups, and two independent divisions, including power generation, power transmission and distribution, and industrial and building systems.

Siemens hands over Rye House combined cycle power plant in England

In 1993, Siemens completed the handover of the 704-MW Rye House combined cycle power plant in England, which was considered a successful project showcasing emerging power generating technology.

Siemens acquires Westinghouse’s gas turbine business

In 1998, Siemens made a significant move by acquiring Westinghouse's gas turbine business, expanding its presence and capabilities in the power generation sector.

Siemens' first 501FD gas turbine development

In 2000, Siemens developed its first 501FD gas turbine in Orlando.

Siemens restructures nuclear activities with Framatome

In 2001, Siemens restructured its reactor-making arm and combined its nuclear activities with French company Framatome, leading to the formation of AREVA NP.

Siemens acquires Bonus Energy A/S

In 2004, Siemens acquired Bonus Energy A/S, a wind energy company founded in Denmark in 1980, with an existing installed base of 3.3 GW in 20 countries.

Siemens Worldwide Bribery Scandal Begins

Siemens became involved in a global bribery scandal starting in 2005, leading to legal investigations and settlements.

Siemens faces compliance investigation and executive shakeup

In 2006, Siemens is involved in a compliance investigation that results in €1.2 billion in penalties and leads to significant changes in its executive team.

Siemens fined by the European Commission for price fixing

In January 2007, Siemens was fined €396 million by the European Commission for participating in a cartel that fixed prices in EU electricity markets. The commission found that Siemens played a leading role in this illegal activity.

Siemens acquires Solel Solar Systems

In October 2009, Siemens signed a $418 million contract to acquire Solel Solar Systems, an Israeli company specializing in solar thermal power. This acquisition aimed to strengthen Siemens' presence in the renewable energy sector.

Siemens acquires Dresser-Rand

In 2015, Siemens purchased Dresser-Rand for $7.8 billion. The headquarters of the Energy unit, led by Lisa Davis, were moved to the United States.

Siemens AG announces spin off of energy units

In May 2019, Siemens AG announced its decision to spin off its energy units in order to focus on its digital core. This move surprised many in the power sector, as Siemens has been a major player in the industry since 1866.

Siemens shares traded at over US$93 per share

In December 2023, Siemens's shares were trading at over US$93 per share, with a market capitalization valued at US$147 billion.

End of the Timeline
Siemens

Popular

Chinese multinational technology company specializing in e-commerce

Short-form video hosting service

TikTok

American retired Navy SEAL and ultramarathon runner.

David Goggins

Berkshire Hathaway

American multinational conglomerate holding company

Subhas Chandra Bose

Indian nationalist leader during British Raj

ADVERTISEMENT

Recently Added

Brighton & Hove Albion F.C.

English professional football club in Brighton and Hove

Professional football club in West London

Burnley F.C. is a football club in Lancashire

A.F.C. Bournemouth

Football club with roots dating back to 1890

Gustave Courbet

French Realism painter and innovator

ADVERTISEMENT