This month in Electrical Gems Magazine, the editors have showcased some of Australias most popular brands. After the celebration of Australia Day, we thought we’d share some history on some of the companies and products that our Electrical Company support in our everyday work.
Clipsal by Schneider Electric: Est. Adelaide, 1920
The Clipsal brand name first appeared in 1920, when Alfred Gerard developed a range of adjustable, clip-on metal conduit fittings. It ‘clips all sizes’ was the claim, which was then was abbreviated to Clipsal, and an Australian brand was born. Another famed Clipsal product, the 2000 series, became the nation’s top-selling switch. “The 2000 Series was one of our earliest available ranges of power points and light switches,” says Gareth O’Reilly, zone president, Schneider Electric Australia & New Zealand. “While innovation has led us towards new ranges – like Iconic – the 2000 has long been a popular favourite. It’s manufactured by the team at Adelaide’s Gepps Cross facility and we couldn’t be prouder of its Australian heritage.”
NHP: Est. Melbourne, 1968
Nigel Hugh Peck first opened the doors to NHP Electrical Engineering Products in 1968 with a staff of 17. NHP’s relationship with Sprecher + Schuh dates back to when the company first opened its doors. As a foundation partner, NHP targeted motor control through their product offering, and Sprecher + Schuh helped lay the foundations for NHP to one day become a leading global provider in industrial electrical products, systems and solutions. “Today NHP’s motor control package is one of the most technically advanced, reliable and comprehensive available, from the one source,” says sales director Mark Pattison. “NHP are proud to be 100 per cent Australian-owned and operated – it’s your local choice in specialist electrical and automation products, systems and solutions.”
Prysmian Australia: Est. under the name Pirelli Ericsson Cables Australia in 1977
Prysmian Australia began manufacturing power, automotive, flexible and telecommunications cables in Australia 40 years ago in Minto and Cromer, NSW, and Morphett Vale, SA. Defence and power cables for general applications were first out the door, and the portfolio grew to encompass medium-voltage, mining and telecom cables in the 1970s. In 1999, Pirelli cables became Prysmian Australia and consolidated its energy and telecom product offer. Today, with research-and-development focus, Prysmian continues to deliver new products that meet customers needs and stringent industry demands.
B&R Enclosures: Est. Adelaide, 1955
Over a 60-year span, B&R has built a reputation for excellence in the design and manufacture of enclosures. An independent, Australian family-owned and -operated business, B&R manufactures in Brisbane, Adelaide and Sydney. “We’ve been industry leaders in electrical enclosures since my grandfather built his first residential meter box in 1962,” says company director Tim Bridges. “Since those humble beginnings we have grown to offer industry leading solutions across electrical enclosures, data racks, data cabinets and related equipment. B&R are proud to be 100 per cent Australian family owned and operated.”
