Siemens celebrates 125 years of presence and impact in Belgium

• Technical Office Siemens & Halske SA founded Sept. 1, 1898, at Rue du Marais in Brussels 
• Current market leader in automation, electrification, digitization and transportation
• Jubilee event in Huizingen with prominent guests from politics, business and academia
• Siemens launches CSR fund Siemens Caring Hands Belgium and invests 125,000 euros

This year Siemens is celebrating 125 years of presence in Belgium, a long era in which the technology leader has had an impact on the Belgian economy and society that cannot be underestimated. In the presence of guests from politics, including Prime Minister Alexander De Croo, business and academia, Siemens today, at a festive anniversary event in Huizingen, looked back on the path it has taken in our country, and ahead to the role it will play in shaping the future.

On Oct. 12, 1847, Siemens began operations in Berlin as a small factory workshop with ten workers making pointer telegraphs. Just over half a century later, Siemens Belgium saw the light of day in Brussels' Rue du Marais. Now, 175 years later, Siemens has more than 300,000 employees worldwide and, with annual sales of about 62 billion euros, is one of the world's largest technology groups. In Belgium today, Siemens NV and Siemens Mobility NV employ 1,059 people.

Jubilee year and event

On June 7, Siemens Belgium celebrated its 125th anniversary with a festive anniversary event at its headquarters site in Huizingen. Prime Minister De Croo attended the celebration along with numerous guests from politics, business and academia. "We are delighted to celebrate this anniversary and share the story of our journey with our customers, partners and the community," said Serge Molinari, CEO of Siemens Belgium-Luxembourg. "We look back with pride on the past 125 years, the impact we have had on Belgian soil and the role we play in shaping the future." 

Over the past 175 years, Siemens has made industrial and technological history and changed the daily lives of people around the world. Werner von Siemens realized one of the most important innovations in 1847 when he built the pointer telegraph, the first product of the future global company. His invention made it possible to use electricity to send messages much faster and more reliably over long distances; the beginning of global connectivity.

Digitize and anticipate 

Today Siemens focuses on industry, infrastructure, transportation and healthcare - and is a leader in digitalization. Since 2008, the technology company has invested €10 billion in software companies worldwide. In fiscal year 2022, the company spent €5.6 billion on research and development and registered 4,650 inventions.

"We continue to reinvent ourselves to anticipate new technologies and trends. We want to continue to play a leading role to help our customers and society meet the biggest challenges today and tomorrow. On our 125th anniversary, we are ready for the future. We are exceptionally well positioned when we look at strategy, business and technology and leading when it comes to digitalization and sustainability," said Serge Molinari.

Siemens Caring Hands Belgium

Siemens today launched its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) fund: Siemens Caring Hands Belgium. This fund, created in partnership with the King Baudouin Foundation, aims to proactively support various Belgian and international projects and initiatives, focusing on inclusion, access to technology and sound education. "As a technology company, we have always strived to have a positive impact on society. We believe that companies are not only responsible for achieving financial goals, but also for creating social value and supporting communities. With Siemens Caring Hands Belgium, we want to streamline our approach, and contribute to this further. We are starting with a symbolic investment in the fund of 125,000 euros," testifies Serge Molinari.

In addition, starting in September, we give all our employees the opportunity to volunteer for social initiatives 1 day a year during working hours. We support projects in the region with both helping hands and our expertise. 

Timeline and technology in 125 seconds 

To mark this anniversary, Siemens launched a website with a timeline of key moments in the company's history. Visitors will learn more about the company's commitment to sustainability and its role in shaping the future of mobility, infrastructure and industry. In 125-second videos, experts explain each time a new technology, such as digital twins, 5G, e-highways or cloud solutions. On the platform, the company also lets its employees have their say. In special duos - grandfather and grandson, brother and sister, mother and daughter, father and grandson - visitors will learn more about what working at Siemens means today and in the past. 

For more information, visit www.siemens.be/125years