Celebrating 70 years of Hager
Leaders in the Electrification of Buildings for 70 years
In 2025 Hager celebrates a significant milestone: 70 years of innovation, growth and collaboration. Since 1955 we have helped to shape the evolution of electrical infrastructure across the globe. What began as a bold idea in a workshop in Ensheim has grown into an international enterprise, and a trusted partner in the electrification of buildings around the world, from homes to high-rise commercial developments.
At the beginning our mission was very clear: to make electricity safer, simpler and easier to install. While still adhering to these principles, we now connect electricity to make buildings more intelligent and less energy-consuming. For seven decades, our commitment to continuously develop the usage of electricity in buildings has guided our actions, through changes in technology, markets and society, over multiple generations. Today, we look back with pride – and forward with purpose.
Without courage we would not have achieved the results we have today.
Foundations of a vision
(1955–1970)
In 1955 Hermann and Dr Oswald Hager founded the company in Ensheim, Saarland. At the time, the electrical infrastructure in homes was basic and often dangerous. The Hager brothers had the vision and technical ingenuity to change that. Their first innovation, a safer, modular fuse system, would lay the groundwork for modern domestic electrical installations.
From the very beginning, our closeness to our customers has defined Hager’s growth. In 1959 Hermann Hager launched operations in France, creating products adapted to local standards. At the Hanover fair in Germany, on a booth that was only 12 m², the small team thought of ways to stand out and demonstrated Hager’s unparalleled hospitality. By 1966, training programmes for electrical installers had become a core part of Hager’s strategy, reinforcing a collaborative approach to innovation that still shapes the business today.
Expanding horizons
(1970–1990)
As European households embraced modern appliances, the demand for safe and reliable electrical systems increased rapidly. Hager responded with the revolutionary T-System, which allowed for the seamless integration of meter panels and installation devices, saving space, time and materials.
The company also became an early player in smart building control, joining the KNX initiative in the 1980s and developing intelligent systems that helped to shape the future of building automation.
By the end of the 1980s, Hager had outgrown its roots. The opening of a new production site in Blieskastel with advanced logistics and automation marked the beginning of its transformation from a family business into a European industry leader.
Becoming a full-solution provider
(1990–2010)
The 1990s were a period of accelerated growth and transformation for Hager as the business rapidly expanded into the UK, Austria, Sweden and post-reunification East Germany. The company also made significant investments in R&D and product innovation, replacing 80% of its product portfolio in just five years while allocating over 10% of its turnover to development.
A pivotal acquisition came in 1996: Tehalit Systems, the European leader in cable trunking. This move extended Hager’s presence from technical rooms into modern living and workspaces. By 2000, Hager had evolved into a one-stop shop for small residential buildings, multi-family housing, and commercial projects, offering its own miniature circuit breakers (MCBs) and residual current devices (RCCBs).
Quality is non-negotiable. Every product must meet the highest standards, and a flawless launch reinforces our commitment as a trusted partner.
The Shift to Sustainability and Digitalisation (2011–2020)
During the 2010s, Hager made a decisive move into large-scale project solutions. The development of MCCBs and ACBs established the company as a comprehensive protection device provider, serving everything from family homes to industrial-scale facilities.
Meanwhile, the rise of smart homes, the Internet of Things (IoT), and renewable energy created new demands. In response, Hager acquired E3/DC, a leader in energy storage and e-mobility systems. This acquisition catalysed Hager’s entry into energy management, laying the foundation for integrated solutions across solar storage, grid interaction and electric vehicle charging.
During this period the Witty charging station family was born, signalling Hager’s early investment in sustainable mobility – an area that has since become integral to residential and commercial planning.
Since our founding, Hager has been at the forefront of providing safe and efficient electrical solutions. Over the decades, we have expanded our expertise by investing in forward-looking sectors.
Leading into the future
(2021–present)
The pandemic years accelerated changes in how energy is consumed, managed and valued. Remote working and rising electricity costs have led to an increased demand for smart, self-sufficient energy solutions.
Hager’s recent acquisitions of Eficia, advizeo and Pmflex highlight our commitment to sustainable digitalisation. These companies enhance Hager’s capabilities in building energy monitoring, intelligent software, and pre-wired installation systems.
In 2023 Sabine Busse succeeded Daniel Hager as CEO, with him becoming chair of the Supervisory Board. This leadership transition reflects the company’s dual commitment to remaining rooted in its values while further transforming into a digital, customer-focused future.
A constant drive: Our customer-centric approach
For decades, Hager's greatest strength has been its close relationship with customers – including electricians, installers, planners, developers and building owners. This connection is not just a service mindset. It is a deeply-rooted strategic asset. By listening closely and adapting quickly, Hager has continuously transformed user insights into real-world innovations.
Whether it's developing faster installation technologies like QuickConnect or equipping buildings with real-time monitoring tools to promote energy efficiency, Hager consistently links technical evolution with human benefit.
Hager stands firm beside our customers – today and in the future – driving quality, innovation, and long-term partnerships.
Looking ahead: Building the future
Hager has grown from a small family business to an international leader in the fields of electrification, energy management and building automation. From our first Bakelite meter panels to today's AI-powered building software, we have spent 70 years at the heart of electrification, adapting, expanding and transforming. What has united us on this journey is our unwavering focus on quality, innovation, and customer partnership.
As we celebrate, we honour the past and we renew our commitment to build upon it. The foundations we laid in 1955 continue to support a future powered by sustainable energy, digital intelligence, and human ingenuity. Our values of authenticity, integrity and courage have guided us this far and will lead us in the future. This year's anniversary is a celebration of what has been achieved and a reaffirmation of our purpose and our promise.
