Schneider is a long-established company that started out in 1860. It is constituted from different companies that it has bought. The company used to be more involved in the metallurgy sector by building boats and trains. Gradually, Schneider launched an aggressive campaign to own shares of electric companies such as the well-known Merlin Gerin. By 1960s, Merlin Gerin was growing its business on an international scale and that was how Schneider got a global side. Another famous company bought by Schneider in 1988 was Telemecanique. This followed a 1992 purchase of U.S.-based companies Modicon and Square D.

Schneider companies’ products carry more than 40 brand names in electrical power and control business. In our electrical power management, we conduct distribution from power plants to the end-user. The group also manufactures and supplies electrical equipment for automation control in industrial processes. Schneider is represented in four markets: First, the energy sector including distribution, required products and relevant solutions; second, the infrastructure, including our automation services for airports, sea ports, substations and their corresponding devices. This is a booming field especially in the telecommunication sector. The third sector is industry where Schneider provides a full scope of electrification, monitoring and automation. Finally, Schneider’s fourth sector of expertise is electrical services in buildings.

Beginning of Schneider activities in Iran dates back to 1974. The first stages of the company’s presence in Iran were mostly limited to the supply of parts and equipment. However, in a bid to be closer to customers, Schneider developed some other services in the Iranian market. We increased our presence day by day and the company’s services never interrupted even during the revolution and war. As a result of such commitment, Iranians and Schneider deeply believe in each other. The fruit of the past 26 years is a long, nice story between Iran and Schneider.

A proper distribution of energy at a site is very vital to an industrial plant and in this area, Schneider has performed remarkable jobs in joint venture with petroleum and petrochemical industries of Iran. Mention must also be made of our operations in four cement plants across Iran, full automation of sugarcane factories, electric supply of 57 Metro stations, and the equipment of substations in rural areas.

To fill the requirement of customers and the state, we have launched some licenses with Iranian partners for some production operations. This transfer of technology has been in progress since 1995 when local production of a number of Schneider products started in Iran. We are also in final settlement of a new joint company with Iranian partners for establishment of a plant which will be producing contactors and miniature circuit breakers.

Although attracted by opportunities and partnership advantages in the Iranian market, Schneider has been dealing with the issues associated with an investment decision in Iran. A large group such as Schneider is willing to take into account the risks associated with an investment decision, but investing in Iran is yet to become a simple decision. There has to be a more developed infrastructure, system network, Internet connectivity and transport facilities.

Schneider Groupe has assumed a worldwide action called “Children Hour”. The purpose is to improve children welfare in countries where Schneider has a presence. The funds are provided by the company and all the staffs who contribute one hour of their monthly salary for this cause. Launching this benefit for a children hospital in Iran , we were impressed to see that people contributed a lot more than what was expected. In cases the contribution reached 20% of their monthly salaries. Moreover, the Schneider Group Foundation has chosen this project as the first in the world and therefore donated a large sum for this purpose.