Legrand's innovation recognised by Forbes

Sept 2011

Legrand has been named in the top 100 of the world's most innovative companies by Forbes Magazine.

The company, which is the world leader in wiring devices and cable management, was ranked 80^th in a list that was topped by Salesforce.com and Amazon. 

Tony Greig, chief executive of Legrand in the UK (pictured), said: "This is a great honour for Legrand. It places us amongst some of the world's leading brands and, even more importantly, recognises the focus we place on technological innovation and design as key growth drivers." 

Legrand invests between four and five percent of its net sales each year in research and development. The company, which is represented in 80 different countries, employs more then 1,800 people in product development - working either in its laboratories or on the ground, inventing, designing, testing and validating new ideas. As a result, Legrand currently holds more than 4,000 active patents. 

In the past year, Legrand in the UK has demonstrated the rewards of this innovative approach to business with the launch and subsequent success of its Salamandre distribution trunking. Designed to stand-out from the rest of the price driven market, the product was completely redesigned following a period of consultation with specifiers, installers and engineers, which highlighted a desire for a solution that was faster and easier to install, had fewer components, reduced on-site man hours and offered improved health and safety. 

Prior to launch, the new product was independently tested and proven to be 50 per cent quicker to install than its predecessor - a factor that has led to sales far outstripping expectations. 

"Whether you look at an individual country or the Group as a whole, there is no mistaking the fact that innovation is key to Legrand's success," continued Tony Greig.  "In theUK, the success of the new Salamandre trunking quickly follows in the footsteps of the successes obtained with Arteor and Lightrak in the wiring device and power distribution business units respectively".  ENDS

Client: Legrand