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Feature05 October 2017,
updated09 October 2017Siemens AGMunich
On October 12, 1847, Johann Georg Halske and Werner von Siemens founded Telegraphen-Bauanstalt von Siemens & Halske in Berlin. In doing so, they laid the foundation for a company that represents innovative strength, internationality, a focus on quality and customers, the ability to withstand crises, adaptability, and responsibility. These characteristics have turned a 10-man operation on Schöneberger St. 19 in Berlin into a successful global company that has written and is writing innovation and technology history.
Press Pictures
1845–1865: The company's founding and initial expansion
From the very outset, Siemens' success has been based on its pioneering spirit, ingenuity and global engagement.
The picture shows the first Siemens & Halske workshop on Schöneberger Straße in Berlin, undated.
1865–1896: Triumph of high-voltage engineering and major international projects
The invention of the dynamo machine and the completion of large-scale, technologically demanding projects earned Siemens & Halske international acclaim.
The picture shows the tramway in front of the Church of the Nativity of the Virgin at Putinki in Moscow, 1899.
1897–1918: Growth through consolidation and partnerships
In 1897, Siemens & Halske was transformed into a stock corporation. The enterprise expanded and established Siemensstadt – a new, rapidly growing industrial campus at the gates of Berlin.
The picture shows the generator production at Siemens-Schuckertwerke's Nuremberg plant, around 1914.
1919–1932: Streamlining the company and returning to the global market
In 1919, Siemens faced major challenges. In the aftermath of World War I, the company had to readjust to the peacetime economy and reestablish itself on the global market.
The picture shows the machine room at the Ardnacrusha hydroelectric power plant on the Shannon, Ireland, 1933.
1933–1945: National Socialism and the war economy
During the Nazi era, Siemens' business activities, too, were impacted by rearmament and the war economy. Particularly after the initially European conflict became a worldwide conflagration, the manufacture of military goods, which involved the use of forced labor, increasingly took priority over production for civilian purposes.
The picture shows the Wernerwerk M production facility in Siemensstadt in Berlin, 1944.
1945–1966: Rebuilding and rise to a worldwide corporation
World War II represented a profound disruption in Siemens' history. The war lost Siemens four-fifths of its assets, in Germany and internationally. Yet by the mid-1950s, the company was able to rebuild and return to the international market.
The picture shows the San Nicolas steam power plant in Argentina, 1956.
1966–1988: New markets and business lines
Siemens refocused its corporate structure in 1969, to take due account of its markets' increasing globalization and the challenges of technological progress.
The picture shows the motor factory in Kalwa, India, 1966.
1989–2006: New paths in a time of crisis
The years from 1989 to 2006 confronted the company with challenges unlike any before, compelling its chief players to make fundamental changes. The era's dramatic events included the first comprehensive reform of the corporate organization, the launch of the Ten-Point Program, and the compliance crisis.
The picture shows the launch of the Siemens share on the New York Stock Exchange, 2001.
2007–2017: Defining digitalization
With Vision 2020, Siemens turned its sights systematically to growth fields – a new corporate orientation, carefully selected acquisitions and new innovation methods were to make the company fit for the future.
In the picture: From Big Data to Smart Data - Pioneering Security Solution Siveillance Viewpoint, 2016.
Further Information
170 Years Company History
- 1847-1865 – The company's founding and initial expansion
- 1865-1896 – Triumph of the high-voltage engineering and major international projects
- 1897-1918 – Growth through consolidation and partnerships
- 1919-1932 – Returning to the global market
- 1933-1945 – National Socialism and the war economy
- 1945-1966 – Rebuilding and rise to a worldwide corporation
- 1966-1988 – New markets and business lines
- 1989-2006 – New paths in a time of crisis
- 2007-2017 – Defining digitalization