History of Square D

Square D Company began in 1902 as a small two-man operation, the McBride Manufacturing Company, making electrical fuse links. In 1908, the expanded company, known as the Detroit Fuse and Manufacturing Company, became the first US manufacturer of enclosed safety switches.

The name Square D originated from one of the company's first products, a new safety switch with the company's new logo, a "D" (for Detroit) inside a square. The product quickly became the industry standard and many customers began asking for "those square D switches." The trademark was developed in 1915, and the name Square D Company was formally adopted in 1917. To this day, Square D is one of the few companies ever named by its customers.

On May 24, 1991, Square D Company merged with Schneider Electric of Paris, France. Schneider Electric is the world's leading manufacturer of electrical distribution and industrial control and automation products and systems, and the only manufacturer dedicated solely to the distribution and control of electricity.

History of Schneider Electric

The iron and steel industry, heavy machinery, and ship building in the 19th century; electricity and automation management in the 20th century. In 170 years of existence, Schneider Electric has risen to numerous challenges and made major strategic choices to become a leader.

19th century

• 1836: The Schneider brothers took over the Creusot foundries (71), which were in difficulty. 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 reorganized in order to diversify and open up to new markets.

Late 20th century

• 1981-1997: Schneider Electric continued to focus on the electrical industry by separating from its non-strategic activities. This policy was given concrete form through strategic acquisitions: Telemecanique in 1988, Square D in 1991 and Merlin Gerin in 1992 became part of the Schneider Electric Group.
  
  
• 1999: Development of Ultra Terminal with the acquisition of Lexel, European N°2 in electrical distribution. In May 1999 the Group was renamed Schneider Electric, to more clearly emphasizes its expertise in the electrical field. The Group engaged in a strategy of accelerated growth and competitiveness.
  
  
• 2000-2005: Organic growth and pursuing its policy of acquiring companies that allow Schneider Electric to position itself on new market segments: man-machine dialogue, UPS - uninterruptible power supply, movement control, Voice Data Image, Sensing Technology, Building Automation and security, (Digital, Crouzet, Clipsal, MGE UPS Systems, TAC, Kavlico, Andover Controls …).

Hyde Park History

For more than 40 years, Hyde Park has been refining ultrasonic technology and we’ve emerged as the world leader. In the beginning we served primarily the container, food processing, beverage and packaging industries. Today, we serve a broad spectrum of industries from automobiles to textiles, film to pharmaceuticals, soap powders to facial tissue... wherever there are requirements for efficient, high-speed machine or line control.

The reliability of Hyde Park ultrasonic sensors is unparalleled in the industry. Regardless of how hostile the environment, our ultrasonic sensors simply don’t quit. Your line never goes down due to sensor failure. Hyde Park sensors are not a commodity. They’re an investment in more cost-effective operation which translates to greater return on investment and profitability.

In May 2003, Hyde Park Electronics was acquired by Schneider Electric.

In May 2005, Hyde Park became the Schneider Electric Sensor Competency Center. Hyde Park is now a brand name for the ultrasonic sensors that are manufactured and sold from the facility that is still located in Dayton Ohio. The SCC also produces the Virtu® Photoelectric line of Telemecanique sensors and manufactures sensor modifications for Telemecanique photoelectric and proximity sensors. The SCC serves as a single, integrated resource in the U.S for technical and applications support for the sensor industry.

Today, when you call the SCC, you won’t encounter electronic menus or canned messages. With a staff that has grown to over 70 knowledgeable and experienced team members, the SCC will provide a central resource for all types and models of Hyde Park and Telemecanique sensors, including inductive, capacitive, photoelectric and ultrasonic.

We have expanded our Product Support department so you’ll be able to talk to knowledgeable people eager to be of service in fulfilling your sensing needs. There is someone available to take your call from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern Standard Time but technical support is available 24/7 by dialing 800-435-2121.