Clipsal’s proud history began in 1920 when Alfred Gerard developed the product that gave the company it’s name: An adjustable, one size “clips all” metal conduit fitting. Under the leadership of Alfred’s son Geoff, the company spearheaded several manufacturing breakthroughs, including the first all-Australian switch in 1930, and pioneering the use of thermoplastics in the 1950’s.
In 1976 Geoff’s son, Robert Gerard AO took the reigns of the business with a plan to make Clipsal one of the biggest electrical accessory brand names in the world. His perseverance in Asia led to a strong trade partnership with the Lo Family of Gold Peak Industries in Hong Kong and to becoming the number one brand throughout Asia. In Australia, Robert increased the visibility of the Clipsal brand by producing a bigger range of products than its competitors backed by increased levels of service to the electrical contractor. Under his inspirational leadership Clipsal became Australia’s market leader.
In 1991 Gerard industries moved into NZ with conduit selling under the Blue Point brand, then in 1995 Blue Point became Clipsal Industries (NZ) Ltd, bringing the product range and quality associated with it's parent company in Australia.
In 2001 Simon Gerard was appointed Executive General Manager and under his enthusiastic and decisive leadership, the Clipsal brand has continued to prosper particularly in the domestic market. The company’s Datacomms division has forged ahead as the number 2 player in the data communications market while the company’s C-Bus automation technology developed by Clipsal Integrated Systems, has become the main supplier of building and home automation to both commercial and residential markets.
To date more than 400 000 copies of Clipsal’s Essential Checklist have been distributed throughout Australia and New Zealand, encouraging consumers to have a proactive say in the electrical accessories they choose for their home. The campaign has become a major driver of Clipsal's marketing program. The campaign is unchallenged in the Australian and New Zealand electrical industry and Clipsal’s position in the market place will not only strengthen, but can only grow even further.
Schneider Electric the global specialist in energy management has been present in New Zealand since the early 70’s.
PDL joined Schneider Electric in 2001, with Clipsal joining in 2003. However while PDL became an integrated brand of Schneider Electric, Clipsal continued to operate independently in the New Zealand market.
On October 1st, 2007 Clipsal joined PDL within the Schneider Electric family. Bringing both brands together under the same roof means customers now have access to both the Clpsal and PDL products and solutions through a single point of contact. This also enables Schneider Electric in New Zealand to offer a wider range of solutions to meet customers needs.
With a clear focus on providing a complete solution to our customers, rather than purely product, there is no application or requirement that cannot be satisfied with the new Clipsal / PDL combined ranges. Whether it's standard wiring devices, home or commercial technologies and automation, data and communications, structured cabling or industrial, the new combined range has the solution. Schneider Electric is able to supply the right product or solution to suit any budget or project in the residential, buildings, industry and infrastructure markets.
|