2024 marks a significant milestone in the journey of CE+T Power as we celebrate 90 years of technological innovation and resilience. What started as a small spin-off from the University of Liège in the 1930s has grown into a global leader in power electronics, renowned for pushing the boundaries of technology and delivering world-class solutions.
Our history is rich with stories of pioneering spirit, overcoming adversity, and continuously reinventing ourselves to stay ahead of the curve.
The Early Years
The story of CE+T Power begins in the early 1930s with Joachim Frenkiel, a visionary engineer and professor at the University of Liège. Recognizing the need for standardization amid the diverse grid configurations of the time, Frenkiel established a company to build transformers, providing a solution for the first wave of electrical appliances such as refrigerators and washing machines that were coming into Belgian homes. Unfortunately, during World War II, the company faced severe challenges. Frenkiel’s Jewish heritage led to a temporary closure of operations under the German occupation. Yet, true to the resilience that defines CE+T, the company reemerged after the war as SA Confort Électrique et Téléphonique (CET), resuming operations in an old building in Liège, still. The 1950s marked the rise of television in Belgium, and with it came the problem of voltage instability. Always quick to respond to new opportunities, CE+T began producing voltage stabilization devices, solidifying its role as a pioneer in electrical innovation. This era also saw the company expand its portfolio to include door phones and other telecommunications equipment, becoming a trusted partner in building infrastructure for the growing cities of Belgium.
The Evolution into a Market Leader
By the 1960s, the need for safety in public spaces became a national concern after a devastating fire in a Brussels shopping center. This tragedy led to the enforcement of emergency lighting regulations, and CE+T quickly rose to become a leader in manufacturing and supplying these critical systems. As the company expanded, its reputation for quality and reliability grew, setting the foundation for decades of success. With the rise of the telecommunications industry, CE+T became a key supplier of power solutions for the Belgian Telecom Operator (RTT) and a major player in the global market in the 1970s and 1980s. It was during this period that the company underwent a significant transition in ownership, passing from the Frenkiel family to the Paque family, and rebranded to CE+T, an acronym for Construction Électronique + Télécommunication. This era also marked a shift in focus towards developing advanced DC to AC power converters, setting the stage for the company’s future success.
The Rise of the Modular Inverter
The 1990s ushered in a new era for CE+T as the company embraced a more strategic approach to growth and innovation. The company concentrated its technical efforts on the development of modular DC to AC converters, a technology that would become its hallmark. This focus on innovation paid off with the launch of the world’s first modular inverter, redefining power conversion and paving the way for CE+T to become a global leader in the field. The strategic plan also included the outsourcing of manufacturing activities to focus on high-value R&D, a move to a new state-of-the-art facility, and a push to enter international markets. In 1999, a management buyout gave the company a fresh start, empowering it to pursue its ambitious goals with renewed vigor.
Winning the Google Little Box Challenge
The pinnacle of CE+T’s journey came in 2016 when our team won the prestigious Google Little Box Challenge. The goal was to develop the world’s smallest and most efficient 2 kVA inverter. Competing against over 2,000 participants from around the world, CE+T’s Red Electrical Devils not only met the challenge but exceeded expectations, showcasing the company’s dedication to innovation, engineering excellence, and its ability to lead on a global stage. This victory was more than just a technical achievement—it was a testament to CE+T’s enduring commitment to pushing the boundaries of power electronics. The million-dollar prize was shared among all CE+T members worldwide, symbolizing the collaborative spirit and shared success that define our company.
CE+T Today and Beyond
Today, CE+T Power is more than just a company; it evolved into a group of entities which include our subsidiaries and factories in China (Suzhou), in India (Chennai and Bangalore), Gertek in Germany, and, since 2023 in Sydney, Australia. Each of these entities complements our mission to deliver reliable, innovative power solutions for a range of applications—from telecommunications to industrial and renewable energy systems. Now part of CE+T Group, alongside Alpha Innovations, JEMA, CE+T America and CE+T Energrid, a multinational conglomerate of companies that creates, through an efficient and collaborative environment, advanced solutions to ensure peace of mind of its customers and the future of our planet.
As we celebrate 90 years of innovation, we remain guided by the same values that have driven our success: inclusivity, integrity, creativity, and durability. These principles are embedded in every product we create, every solution we provide, and every partnership we form.
Looking ahead, CE+T Power is committed to shaping the future of power electronics through continued investment in R&D, a focus on sustainable energy solutions, and an unwavering dedication to customer satisfaction. With our strong legacy, we are poised to lead the way in the next chapter of power innovation.
As we commemorate this milestone, we extend our deepest gratitude to our employees, partners, and customers worldwide. It is their trust, dedication, and support that have made CE+T Power what it is today. Together, we look forward to the next 90 years of innovation, resilience, and success.