Siemens

Siemens was founded by Werner von Siemens and Johann Georg Halske in Berlin on October 12, 1847. The company was originally named Telegraphen-Bauanstalt von Siemens & Halske, reflecting its initial focus on telegraph technology. Siemens played a key role in the development of the telegraph industry, pioneering innovations that would lead to the creation of the first long-distance telegraph network across Europe, thereby laying the foundation for Siemens’ future as a global technological leader.

In 1866, Werner von Siemens discovered the dynamo-electric principle, enabling for the first time the generation of electricity using mechanical motion without permanent magnets. This invention was seminal for the age of electricity, allowing the widespread use of electrical power. The dynamo laid the groundwork for modern electricity generation and is considered one of the major breakthroughs achieved by Siemens, substantially impacting industrial development.

On May 1, 1897, Siemens & Halske was officially transformed into a stock corporation, Siemens AG. This structural change facilitated easier access to capital markets for funding new and expansive projects and helped Siemens grow beyond its traditional fields, focusing more on electricity generation, public transportation solutions, and medical technology. The move marked the beginning of Siemens' expansion into a global entity.

In July 1923, Siemens acquired key patents for electronic television from Russian scientist Vladimir Zworykin. This acquisition allowed Siemens to venture into the realm of electronic communication, elevating its role in technological advancements in broadcasting. These patents were crucial for Siemens' participation in the early stage of television development, years before it became widely adopted by the public.

The outbreak of World War II on September 1, 1939, marked a significant period for Siemens, as it expanded to provide wartime technology and equipment. The company was involved in supplying components and technology crucial for military operations. Siemens also faced controversies for employing forced labor in its factories, including those from concentration camps, which became a significant ethical issue that the company would address in its post-war rehabilitation efforts.

In 1966, Siemens & Halske AG, Siemens-Schuckertwerke AG, and Siemens-Reiniger-Werke AG merged to form Siemens AG. This consolidation was aimed at increasing operational efficiency and unity among the company’s diverse operations. The new structure allowed Siemens to effectively streamline its efforts in electronics, power generation, and automation technology, while continuing to focus on its core engineering solutions.

On December 28, 1983, Siemens was part of a consortium that successfully completed the world's first Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) call. This groundbreaking development in telecommunications represented a giant leap forward in mobile telephony, establishing standards for mobile communication. Siemens' contribution to GSM technology helped set the framework for modern mobile networks, influencing global mobile communications standards.

On January 15, 2016, Siemens announced it would acquire CD-adapco, a leader in the field of computational fluid dynamics, for $970 million. This acquisition allowed Siemens to expand its capabilities in simulation technologies, enhancing the company's digital portfolio to serve its industrial customer base with more comprehensive solutions in digital manufacturing and simulation.

On August 2, 2017, Siemens announced its plans to spin off Siemens Healthineers, its healthcare division, via an initial public offering (IPO). This move was intended to give Siemens Healthineers additional independence and capability for growth in the healthcare sector. The IPO was expected to raise funds to enable it to accelerate investments in medical imaging and laboratory diagnostics, areas where Siemens Healthineers is a world leader.

On February 5, 2020, Siemens announced the spin-off of its energy business, Siemens Energy. The independent company focused on representing Siemens' gas and power businesses, essential for strategic refocusing on automation and digitalization. Siemens Energy’s formation allowed the parent company to sharpen its core areas while making Siemens Energy one of the world's leading energy technology companies with a massive portfolio in oil, gas, and renewable energy sources.