SDEL

Created in 1907

Picture with legend
Lighting the 4th household arts trade fair at the Grand Palais in Paris

Charles Saunier, a graduate of Ecole Polytechnique, and Maurice Duval created Saunier Duval et Compagnie in 1907. The company kept its name until 1990. Charles Saunier was a former manager of Bengel Frères, a manufacturer of public heating and lighting systems, especially gas-powered. The new company focused on exactly the same sectors and won prestigious contracts, providing lighting for automobile and aviation trade fairs at the Grand Palais in Paris and for the 1931 colonial exhibition.
Saunier Duval diversified into the manufacturing of water heaters and gas powered heaters. After World War II, Saunier Duval opened several branches and acquired leading players in the gas and electricity sectors.
The company gradually reorganised around several industrial activities (gas, bathroom installations, public lighting, electrical engineering and industrial automation systems). After becoming a subsidiary of Saint-Gobain, Saunier Duval became part of SGE in 1985. Today it is a subsidiary of GTIE.