Letter of the Chairman
70 Years of responsibility – thinking in generations
Seventy years is a proud milestone for any company. It is a moment for me to praise and give thanks for the journey behind us. It is also a time to look ahead with confidence. To me, Hager has always been more than a business – it has been a lifelong companion. I fondly remember our company’s 25th anniversary in Ensheim as well as our celebration of the 50th anniversary two decades ago – those were moments of joy, paired with the reflection on how to prepare for the challenges ahead.
Our story began in 1955 when my father, Oswald, my uncle Hermann, and my grandfather, Peter, made the courageous decision to do their own thing and start their business. They did not envisage the scale that Hager would one day achieve. Yet they had a clear vision and the determination to make it happen. They strived for quality, perseverance, reliability, and responsibility towards customers, partners and employees. This spirit still defines us today.
From building our first distribution cabinet by hand in 1955, to expanding internationally into France, and by the way also into Germany, in 1959; establishing Blieskastel progressively as our headquarters and innovation hub in 1982, and making transformative acquisitions such as Tehalit in 1996, Berker in 2010 and E3/DC in 2017 – each milestone has shaped us into the company we are today.
These milestones are not only achievements, but also proof of our ability to adapt. The world has fundamentally changed over the past seven decades. From the reintegration of the Saarland into Germany, the opening of European borders, to German reunification, globalization and the current international uncertainties, every era has brought its challenges. And we have mastered them all.
Throughout all these changes, Hager has grown stronger. As the statesman Wilhelm von Humboldt once said: ‘Only those who know the past have a future.' Our history gives us the perspective to understand today as well as the courage and determination to shape tomorrow. And this is what gives me great confidence when I look at our future.
Success is about people
Today, energy demands are growing fast, and digitialsation is all-encompassing. The future is electric.
I am convinced that at Hager we are well prepared for this future, with our values, a clear strategy, and, above all, a dedicated team. My father and uncle once said in an interview that they were 'driven by the idea of independence'. Also, they claimed that to succeed ‘they invested in the best machines and the best people’. Quite so. Without people even the best ideas won’t take off.
It is therefore with deep gratitude that I thank all our employees for their trust, dedication and passion. They have always been, and still are, the very best.
Today, our family is still driven by the idea and spirit of independence. My responsibility is to keep an eye on the big picture while preserving our values of courage, authenticity and integrity. What we have created should endure. As we have done for the last 70 years, we will continue to provide guidance in an ever-changing electrical world.
Our family founded Hager in 1955. Since then, we have never lost sight of our goal to make buildings safer, smarter, and more efficient with technology that serves the people.
Thinking in generations
Thinking in generations also means looking ahead to the people who will carry Hager forward. Our task is to inspire the next generation, attract young talent, shape careers, and bring the skills and passion of young people into our company. At the same time, I have to ensure that the next generation of our family embraces the meaning of stewardship, and recognises that independence must be renewed with each generation through responsibility and the will to live our values in an ever-changing world.
A shared journey
Seventy years ago, three men began a journey fueled by determination and an idea – to make electricity safe and simple to use. Today, thousands of employees worldwide continue this legacy. Together with our partners we will ensure that Hager remains a leader in electrification – shaping tomorrow’s electrical world.
On this 70th anniversary, let us celebrate what has been achieved, face today's challenges with confidence and remain committed to building our future.
With thanks to customers, partners and all friends of Hager–worldwide.
Sincerely,
Daniel Hager
Chairman of the Supervisory Board
