Modicon is now Schneider Electric

About Modicon

Modicon created the first programmable logic controller (PLC) in the United States in 1968. The device’s success gave rise to a global industry that has expanded considerably over the past 30 years. PLCs put intelligence in machines and automated processes used in industry, infrastructure and buildings.

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The history of Modicon

In 1968 Bedford Associates won a proposal for an electronic replacement for hard-wired relay systems which was requested by GM Hydramatic (the automatic transmission division of General Motors). Bedford then started a new company dedicated to developing, manufacturing, selling, and servicing this new product: Modicon, which stood for MOdular DIgital CONtroller.

In 1977 Modicon was acquired by Gould Electronics who subsequently sold the company to AEG in 1989. Then in 1994, AEG and Groupe Schneider combined forming AEG Schneider Automation and in 1996 this became solely owned by Groupe Schneider which was renamed as Schneider Electric in 1999.

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