Schneider Electric debuts innovation center

PALATINE, IL, Nov. 6, 2007 -- Approximately 100 customers, editors, employees and special guests crowded the Schneider Electric North American Operating Division Automation and Control Innovation Center in Raleigh, N.C., on Oct. 25 through 26 for its grand opening. The Innovation Center launch provided live, working demonstrations of solutions for a variety of industries, including HVAC, pump, semiconductor, transportation wash, packaging, conveyance, automotive, crane and hoist, and more.

"This was a fantastic opportunity to highlight Schneider Electric's industry-leading technology, not only to editors and customers, but also our own employees," said Andy Gravitt, vice president, industrial automation and control, Schneider Electric North American Operating Division. "We were able to provide everyone with firsthand experience of our entire breadth of customized automation and control solutions for OEM and end-user customers."

Thursday's activities gave visitors an opportunity to tour the Innovation Center and view demonstrations tailored to their interests so they could envision the solutions in a real-life scenario. Segment managers and product and services experts were on hand to provide insight into the solution offerings for specific industry segments.

On Friday, the exclusive event began with an opening address by senior management, including Chris Curtis, president of Schneider Electric USA; Gravitt; and Michel Crochon from Schneider Electric Industries SAS (France). The executives spoke of their vision of Schneider Electric as a worldwide solutions provider. Afterward, Gravitt led the company in a "Flip-the-Switch" commemorative ceremony.

"It's exciting to be the first Schneider Electric Innovation Center to open," Gravitt said. "We will serve as the only facility to focus solely on automation and control."

Headquartered in Palatine, Ill., the North American Operating Division of Schneider Electric is one of four operating divisions of Schneider Electric and markets the Square D®, Telemecanique® and Merlin Gerin® brand products to customers in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

###