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Siemens

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Siemens AG is a massive German multinational technology company. It stands as the largest engineering firm in Europe. The company holds global leadership positions in several key fields. These include industrial AI, automation, and industrial software. Siemens also focuses on building automation, rail transport, and health technology.

Siemens Logos 1899-1991
Siemens Logos 1899-1991

It operates as a major component of the DAX and Euro Stoxx 50 stock market indices.

Modern Siemens functions through several principal business divisions. Digital Industries focuses on digital tools and industrial processes. Smart Infrastructure works on making buildings and systems more efficient. Mobility operates as an independent entity focusing on rail transport. Financial Services acts as a center for managing financial risks.

SPECT CT
SPECT CT

In 2023, these divisions helped the company reach a global revenue of approximately €78 billion. The corporation employs about 320,000 people across the entire world.

In the 19th century, the company focused on communication technology. Werner von Siemens and Johann Georg Halske founded the company in 1847. It was originally called Telegraphen Bau-Anstalt von Siemens & Halske. They invented a unique telegraph system. Instead of using Morse code, their device used a needle to point to letters.

Wvs 1885
Wvs 1885

In 1848, they built Europe's first long-distance telegraph line. This line stretched 500 km from Berlin to Frankfurt am Main. By 1867, they completed a massive 11,000 km line from London to Calcutta.

As time passed, Siemens expanded into electrical power and transport. In 1879, Werner von Siemens built the first electric locomotive.

First electric locomotive, built in 1879 by Werner von Siemens
First electric locomotive, built in 1879 by Werner von Siemens

Later, in 1881, a Siemens AC Alternator powered the first electric street lighting in Godalming, United Kingdom. The company also moved into manufacturing light bulbs and electric trains. In 1892, they constructed the Hobart electric tramway in Tasmania. This was the first complete electric tram network in the Southern Hemisphere.

The company's history includes a period of significant harm during World War II. During this time, Siemens-Schuckert exploited the forced labor of deported people. These individuals were held in various extermination camps. Siemens owned a plant located within the Auschwitz concentration camp.

USHMM95273 -Siemens factory in KZ Bobrek
USHMM95273 -Siemens factory in KZ Bobrek

They also exploited forced labor from women at the Ravensbrück concentration camp.

Plan du camp de Ravensbrück
Plan du camp de Ravensbrück

Working conditions in these factories were very poor. Many workers suffered from malnutrition and death due to these conditions.

The modern structure of the company was formed through major mergers. In 1966, three companies merged to create the present-day Siemens AG. These were Siemens & Halske, Siemens-Schuckert, and Siemens-Reiniger-Werke. Since then, Siemens has grown by acquiring many other businesses. In 1998, they bought Westinghouse Power Generation for more than $1.5 billion. This move made them the second largest player in the world power generation market.

Wildorado Wind Ranch, Oldham County, TX IMG 4919
Wildorado Wind Ranch, Oldham County, TX IMG 4919

Siemens has also been known for spinning off specific business units. In 1999, they spun off their semiconductor operations into Infineon Technologies. In 2017, they spun off Siemens Healthineers. In 2020, they created Siemens Energy as a separate entity. These changes allow the different parts of the business to focus on their specific goals. Today, Siemens remains a dominant force in global industrial and technological systems.

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🖼️ Images & Media (14)
File:Wvs 1885.jpg
Wvs 1885.jpg
File:First electric locomotive, built in 1879 by Werner von Siemens.jpg
First electric locomotive, built in 1879...
File:Siemens & Halske Omnibus 4x 4HP; max Speed 28 km-h (1899).jpg
Siemens & Halske Omnibus 4x 4HP; max...
File:Bundesarchiv Bild 183-1985-0607-500, Ernst Udet in Flugzeug "Flamingo".jpg
Bundesarchiv Bild 183-1985-0607-500,...
File:OldSiemensposter.jpg
OldSiemensposter.jpg
File:USHMM95273 -Siemens factory in KZ Bobrek.jpg
USHMM95273 -Siemens factory in KZ Bobrek.jpg
File:Bundesarchiv Bild 183-R97782, Berlin, Wahlwerbung der NSDAP in.jpg
Bundesarchiv Bild 183-R97782, Berlin,...
File:Plan du camp de Ravensbrück.jpg
Plan du camp de Ravensbrück.jpg
File:Siemens-electron-microscope.jpg
Siemens-electron-microscope.jpg
File:Siemens Logos 1899-1991.gif
Siemens Logos 1899-1991.gif
File:ICE 3 Oberhaider-Wald-Tunnel.jpg
ICE 3 Oberhaider-Wald-Tunnel.jpg
File:Wildorado Wind Ranch, Oldham County, TX IMG 4919.JPG
Wildorado Wind Ranch, Oldham County, TX...

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