From a rented apartment in Zurich to a market leader in public lighting. 75 years of courage to embrace change, independence, and innovative spirit.
Since 1951, we have been helping to shape the future of energy
The Future Has a HistoryOn April 1, 1951, Elektron AG began operations with a handful of employees and an apartment at Gartenstrasse 26 in Zurich—as the general representative of AEG in Switzerland. What followed was not a straightforward success story, but a journey marked by crises, reinventions, and bold strategic decisions.
Today, Elektron AG is the market leader in public lighting in Switzerland, a partner for smart infrastructure solutions, and an enabler of the energy transition—in Switzerland and Austria.
100% owned by its own welfare fund: a model for long-term success that is unparalleled in Switzerland. This is because strategically important decisions are not only made based on short-term economic considerations but are also reviewed for compliance with sustainable values.
75 Years in 8 Chapters
The DecadesClick through the most important decades—from the company's founding to the present
the 1950s
Foundation & Development
‘We are shaping the future’
Elektron AG was founded on 1 April 1951 as a result of a crisis: the AEG representative office in Switzerland had to be wound up after the war. Otto Rusche, Walter Engel and Willy Geier started out with an annual turnover of around 200,000 Swiss francs – operating from a flat in Zurich.
In the early years, the household appliance sector dominated: washing machines, fridges and vacuum cleaners. By 1953, washing machines were already accounting for a third of turnover. In 1958, AEG launched the Lavamat – and Elektron became a key player in the history of Swiss laundry rooms.
The ‘Fön’ effect: In 1956, Elektron tested a ‘hot-air shower’ for AEG. When AEG acquired the ‘Foen’ brand in 1957, this brand name became synonymous with hairdryers.
| 1 April 1951 | Founded in Zurich. General agent for AEG Switzerland. Start-up capital: 50,000 francs; first-year turnover around 200,000 francs. |
| 1953 | Washing machines account for a third of total turnover. A boom in home electrification. |
| 1956 | Test report for the AEG hot-air shower (the predecessor of the hairdryer). Entry into the testing and certification business. |
| 1958 | First Lavamat in Switzerland. Elektron secures the direct distribution agreement for AEG domestic appliances. |
“In its early years, Elektron was a simple commercial agency – yet the ambition to be more than that was evident right from the start.”
the 1960s
Growth & Fundamentals
‘We are strengthening the foundations’
The engineering business is booming. With 30 employees, Elektron is securing major contracts from the army, the PTT and the SBB. In 1964, Elektron plays a part in the introduction of the Swiss postcode system – by acting as an intermediary in the supply of the first AEG letter-sorting systems to the Post Office, Elektron helps shape the history of the Swiss postal service.
As early as 1961, Elektron set up a welfare foundation for its employees – ten years before this became a legal requirement in Switzerland. Furthermore, from the 1960s onwards, Elektron provided its staff with a holiday home in Cevio, Ticino.
Postcode made possible by Elektron: In 1964, Switzerland became the third country in the world to introduce postcodes – because the AEG letter-sorting system required it for technical reasons. Since then, every Swiss address database has included the abbreviation ‘PLZ’.
| 1960 | Entering the coin-operated laundry machine business. Small change, big added value. |
| 22 December 1961 | Establishment of the Employees’ Welfare Foundation – one of the first of its kind in Switzerland. |
| 1964 | Thanks to AEG’s letter-sorting systems: Switzerland introduces postcodes. Elektron plays a behind-the-scenes role. |
| 1966 | Tug aircraft for the Swiss Air Force’s Mirage fighter jets: the largest order to date. |
“From the 1960s onwards, Elektron provided its staff with a holiday home in Cevio, Ticino. Demand was so high that a second one was added in Engelberg in 1970.”
the 1970s
Moving House & Independence
‘We’re setting the course’
In 1973, Elektron moved into its new headquarters at 11 Riedhofstrasse in Au – which remains the company’s home to this day. Since 2023, around 600 solar panels have been generating electricity on the roof of the six-storey building.
The decisive turning point: AEG pressed for a takeover. Elektron’s management, led by Walter Engel, said no. This decision saved the company. In 1974, a company-sponsored welfare fund was established, intended to replace the shareholders in the long term.
The most important decision: despite intense pressure from AEG, Elektron retained its independence. By 1988, the company was wholly owned by its own welfare fund. Without this strategic move, the company would have been swept up in AEG’s decline.
| 1970 | New matrix organisation with over 50 staff members across 3 vertical and 5 horizontal units. |
| September 1973 |
Moving into our new headquarters at Riedhofstrasse 11 in Au – finally at home after two relocations.
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| 1974 | Establishment of the welfare fund as an alternative to the impending takeover by AEG. |
| 1978 | AEG is once again attempting to force a stake in the company via a general agency agreement. Elektron is stalling for time and securing better terms. |
“From the 1960s onwards, Elektron provided its staff with a holiday home in Cevio, Ticino. Demand was so high that a second one was added in Engelberg in 1970.”
the 1980s
Moving House & Independence
‘We are weathering the change’
The ‘golden 80s’: AEG is faltering – Elektron is flourishing. Impressive financial results, generous dividends paid into the welfare fund, growth to 100 employees. The company headquarters in Au are extensively expanded.
On 9 August 1982, AEG filed for composition proceedings. Elektron immediately informed its customers: “Our ability to deliver is guaranteed.” It kept that promise. In 1988, Walter Engel donated his shares to the welfare fund – Elektron was now wholly owned by itself.
When the giant fell: 9 August 1982: AEG filed for administration. A letter from Elektron to customers on the same day: “We will remain your reliable business partner.” That promise was kept.
| 1980-1985 | The boom years: growth to 100 employees, an extension to the company headquarters in Au. “The golden 80s.” |
| 9. August 1982 |
AEG has filed for composition proceedings. Elektron has assured customers that their business relationship will continue without interruption.
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| 1983 |
End of AEG supply relationships. Elektron secures new partners in the motor business and diversifies.
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| 1988 |
Walter Engel has donated his shares to the welfare fund – the company is now wholly owned by itself.
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‘Whilst AEG was finding itself in ever greater difficulties, Elektron was truly flourishing and posted excellent financial results.’
the 1990s
Crisis & Reinvention
‘We’re rethinking the business’
In 1992, the glory was followed by a slump: the company posted its first ever loss. A poor economic climate, technological change and the collapse of supplier contracts in the wake of AEG’s dissolution in 1996 – these were followed by the most difficult years in the company’s history.
But Elektron did not give up. It discovered new business areas, went online with elektron.ch in 1999 – and quietly and discreetly built up the lighting business that would shape its future. In 1994, it courageously wound up its power tools business after 43 years.
The end of the tooling division: In 1994, following tough negotiations, Elektron closed down its ‘W7’ tooling division. This was not a sentimental clinging to the past – but a bold move that freed up resources for future areas of business.
| 1992 | First-ever loss-making annual results. The start of the crisis years – and of a strategic rethink. |
| 1994 |
The ‘W7’ tooling department is being wound up after 43 years. One chapter ends, another begins.
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| 1996 |
AEG has been permanently struck off the commercial register. All supply relationships must be re-established.
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| 1999 |
elektron.ch goes live – and is still in operation today. The start of the company’s digital presence.
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‘Fortunately, the run of setbacks in the 1990s is unique in the company’s history. And despite some painful decisions, Elektron did not merely survive – it prepared itself for the future.’
2000s
Strategy & A Fresh Start
‘We find solutions’
The ‘Delfin’ project marks the start of a new era. Under the leadership of Peter Schärer, priority is given to future-oriented fields: drive technology, power electronics and lighting are strengthened. In 2000, Elektron returns to profitability.
In 2002, Enrico Baumann joins Elektron as Head of Lighting Technology – a key figure in the impending LED revolution. The number of employees falls to 53 (2007) before the company begins to expand again.
Dolphins as saviours: Named after the dolphin’s instinct to rescue, the strategy project did indeed steer Elektron into calmer waters – with some painful break-ups, but a clear course.
| 2000 | Positive figures again for the first time. The ‘Delfin’ strategy project, with Peter Schärer as project manager. |
| 2001 |
50th anniversary. Focus on drive technology, power electronics and lighting.
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| 2002 |
Enrico Baumann joins the company as Head of Lighting Technology – laying the foundations for its future leadership in the LED market.
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| 2007 | Low point: 53 employees. At the same time, a move into new, forward-looking markets. |
“What sets Elektron apart is its commitment to honouring the past whilst always looking to the future.” – Andreas Puur, CFO
2010s
The LED Revolution
‘We’re connecting the world’
‘LED’s Go!’ – from 2011 onwards, Elektron literally lit up Switzerland. When Glarus became the first canton to replace all mercury vapour lamps with LEDs, Elektron was there. The lighting business became a cornerstone of the company.
In 2012, Enrico Baumann becomes CEO. In 2015, the first IoT pilot project is launched in the Aargau municipality of Schöftland: ‘City Touch’ becomes ‘Interact City’ – a system that connects entire cities and controls them in real time.
Market leader through courage: When Philips took over AEG Lichttechnik, Elektron secured the distribution rights for outdoor lighting. When the major switch to LED began, it was the only company that was ready.
| 2010 | Glarus: the first canton to replace all mercury vapour lamps with LEDs. Elektron is a project partner. |
| 2012 |
Enrico Baumann is to become CEO. The start of a period of continuity and strategic depth.
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| 2015 |
‘Internet of Things’ pilot project in Schöftland AG: smart street lighting with real-time data.
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| 2016 |
Signify (formerly Philips Lighting) as an independent company. New partnership secured.
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‘Without the right partners and the necessary negotiating skills, we would not have been able to achieve market leadership.’
2020s
Energy Transition
“We are electrifying the future”
The 2020s are all about electrification. On 1 April 2020 – exactly 69 years after its foundation – Elektron Austria GmbH is established in Vienna. In 2021, the Board of Directors is revitalised with new members from the energy sector, led by Kurt Lüscher.
In 2023, Elektron enters the solar storage business. The company’s own 255-kWp rooftop system in Au provides the impetus. By May 2026, Peter Dietiker’s team has completed 658 storage projects. The circular economy is no longer just a buzzword – Switzerland’s first recyclable street lamp comes from Elektron.
Vienna is lit up in a more modern way: since 2026, Vienna’s historic old town streetlights have been illuminated using modern LED technology. The nostalgic charm remains – whilst CO₂ emissions have fallen significantly. Elektron Austria is making it happen.
| 1. April 2020 | Elektron Austria GmbH was founded in Vienna – in the midst of the first wave of the coronavirus pandemic, exactly 69 years after the company was first established in Switzerland. |
| 2021 |
New Chairman Kurt Lüscher, with a background in the energy sector. Strategic refocus on electrification.
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| 2023 | 255-kWp rooftop solar installation in Au now operational. Entry into the solar storage business. |
| May 2026 | 658 solar storage projects completed. Launch of Switzerland’s first recyclable street lamp. |
‘75 years of Elektron is neither the first nor the last chapter. A story with a future.’
Read the company history
75 years of history don't end in the archives, but with a celebration that brought together everyone who helped shape that history.
The Elektron DNA
What Sets Us ApartThree qualities have carried Elektron through 75 years—through crises, technological changes, and reinventions.
The people behind the story
VotesFrom the founders to today's leaders: Elektron thrives on people who identify with the company.
The next 75 years begin now
Today & Tomorrow
The battery storage boom is gaining momentum. Circular economy products are becoming a key economic factor. And energy efficiency is relevant across all sectors. The energy transition needs enablers. And Elektron is ready.
With a constantly updated range of products and services, we aim to become the go-to source for all things energy—and to strengthen Elektron as a key brand in the energy transition.
658
Solar storage projects completed through May 2026. The market continues to grow—and Elektron is growing with it.
2026
Vienna shines with historic modernity: Elektron Austria replaces Old Town streetlights with LEDs—the charm remains, CO₂ emissions drop.
100%
Independent since 1988. Owned by its own welfare fund. Stability that others can’t buy.
