Helios AG
You can help expand this article with text translated from the corresponding article in German. (April 2022) Click [show] for important translation instructions.
- View a machine-translated version of the German article.
- Machine translation, like DeepL or Google Translate, is a useful starting point for translations, but translators must revise errors as necessary and confirm that the translation is accurate, rather than simply copy-pasting machine-translated text into the English Wikipedia.
- Consider adding a topic to this template: there are already 9,161 articles in the main category, and specifying
|topic=will aid in categorization. - Do not translate text that appears unreliable or low-quality. If possible, verify the text with references provided in the foreign-language article.
- You must provide copyright attribution in the edit summary accompanying your translation by providing an interlanguage link to the source of your translation. A model attribution edit summary is
Content in this edit is translated from the existing German Wikipedia article at [[:de:Helios (Elektrotechnikunternehmen)]]; see its history for attribution. - You may also add the template
{{Translated|de|Helios (Elektrotechnikunternehmen)}}to the talk page. - For more guidance, see Wikipedia:Translation.
| Company type | Public |
|---|---|
| Industry | Electrical engineering |
| Founded | 1882 |
| Defunct | 1930 |
| Fate | 1904 Takeover by AEG 1930 Plant closure |
| Headquarters | Cologne , Germany |
The Helios AG für elektrisches Licht und Telegraphenanlagenbau was a German electrical engineering company. Founded in 1882, it existed until its liquidation in 1930. The company was based in the town of Ehrenfeld, which was incorporated into Cologne in 1888.[1] The company is presently best known for the Heliosturm, a lighthouse on the former site of the factory that was constructed for test and research purposes.[2] Today, the area is used by gastronomy and craft businesses.[3]
History
Helios AG was a notable entity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, specializing in the production of electrical equipment and infrastructure. Founded in 1870 as the Society for Electric Light and Telegraph Construction Barthel Berghausen and Co. in Ehrenfeld, Germany, it later evolved into Helios AG on July 31, 1884. Situated strategically at Venloer Straße No. 387–389, the company's location was chosen for its proximity to transportation hubs, including the Cologne – Aachen railway line and the horse tram route to Cologne.
Named after the Greek sun god, Helios AG quickly established itself as a leader in innovation, particularly in the field of electricity generation and distribution. The company pioneered the development and implementation of alternating current (AC) systems, manufacturing complete electricity plants that were deployed across Europe. Helios also employed a successful business model, similar to that of AEG, offering participation to newly established electricity plants in exchange for their commitment to purchasing Helios equipment.
In addition to electricity generation, Helios was involved in the construction of electric tram systems, with a focus on research and development of vehicle
technologies. The company's influence extended beyond Germany, as it exported products such as generators, transformers, and lighting equipment worldwide. Helios also played a significant role in the construction of lighthouses and sea signal technology, contributing to maritime safety.
However, despite its initial success, Helios faced challenges in the early 20th century due to declining demand and financial setbacks, including a loss-making acquisition. Siemens and AEG intervened in 1904 but ultimately pursued the liquidation of the company by 1905. Helios AG ceased operations in 1930, marking the end of an era in electrical engineering and infrastructure development.
Throughout its existence, Helios AG left a lasting impact on the field of electrical engineering, contributing to advancements in power plant technology, public lighting, and transportation electrification. With its legacy of innovation and global reach, Helios remains a significant chapter in the history of electrical engineering and industrial development.[3]
References
- ^ Heerding, A. (1988). The History of N. V. Philips' Gloeilampenfabrieken: Volume 2, A Company of Many Parts. CUP Archive. ISBN 978-0-521-32170-9.
- ^ "Helios Lighthouse". Atlas Obscura. Retrieved 2024-05-04.
- ^ a b Pohl, Hans (1997). Competition and Cooperation of Enterprises on National and International Markets (19th-20th Century). Franz Steiner Verlag. ISBN 978-3-515-07142-0.
- v
- t
- e
Siemens
subsidiaries
| Current |
|
|---|---|
| Former & defunct |
|
investments
| Current |
|
|---|---|
| Former & defunct |
services &
projects
| Current |
|
|---|---|
| Defunct |
|
- Roland Busch
- Wilfried Feldenkirchen
- Karlheinz Kaske
- Klaus Kleinfeld
- Peter Löscher
- Bernhard Plettner
- Heinrich von Pierer
- John Rabe
- Jim Reid-Anderson
- Erich Reinhardt
- Ernst von Siemens
- Carl Friedrich von Siemens
- Carl Heinrich von Siemens
- Hermann von Siemens
- Werner von Siemens
- Georg Wilhelm von Siemens
- Carl Wilhelm Siemens
- Gerd Tacke
- 1Now integrated into other Siemens divisions or business groupings
- 2Sold
Category
Commons
50°57′3.6″N 6°54′50.4″E / 50.951000°N 6.914000°E / 50.951000; 6.914000
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Helioswerke.
Authority control databases: National  |
|
|---|
