WAGO

WAGO's story - how it all began

– The World Market Leader Since 1951 –

Today, it is almost impossible to imagine modern electrical installations without WAGO’s renowned connection terminals. Whether in private homes, workshops, industrial facilities, or on board yachts and boats, WAGO terminals have become synonymous with reliability, safety, and ease of installation. But how did this groundbreaking technology come into being?

The history of WAGO Kontakttechnik GmbH & Co. KG began in 1951 in an unusual setting: a card game in Berlin. During the evening, brothers-in-law Heinrich Nagel and Friedrich Hohorst learned about a patent for spring clamp technology. Recognising the enormous potential of this innovative concept, they immediately decided to acquire the patent rights.

On 27 April 1951, they founded WAGO Klemmenwerk GmbH. The company name was derived from the surnames of the original patent holders, Wagner and Olbrich.

The first product was developed later that same year. However, it quickly became clear that the technology still required significant refinement. In the years that followed, WAGO invested heavily in research and development, continuously improving materials, optimizing designs, and expanding its product portfolio. 

The decisive breakthrough came in 1977 with the introduction of the spring pressure connection technology. Even before its official market launch, approximately 30,000 units had already been sold. The industrial standard known today as the WAGO terminal block was born.

WAGO International

Today, the WAGO Group is a globally active technology company headquartered in Minden, Germany. With more than 9,000 employees operating in over 80 countries, WAGO has established itself as a leading innovator in electrical connection and automation technology. In September 1990, WAGO Kontakt GmbH was founded in Sondershausen, Germany. This marked the beginning of a major expansion phase. Several new production facilities were built in Germany, while numerous international sales companies were established worldwide.

A significant milestone followed in 2003 when WAGO regained full ownership of the company, becoming a 100% family-owned business once again. Further international growth followed with the establishment of subsidiaries in countries such as Mexico, Norway, and Sweden.

Who is WAGO Kontakttechnik GmbH today?

– Innovation, Sustainability, and Responsibility –

Following the success of its spring clamp technology, WAGO evolved from a connection technology specialist into a globally recognised provider of intelligent electrical and automation solutions. Today, the company serves a wide range of sectors, including industrial manufacturing, building automation, energy management, infrastructure, and marine applications. 

WAGO continues to stand for the values that have defined its success for decades: safe, maintenance-free, and durable electrical connections. At the same time, the company is increasingly focused on sustainability and responsible resource management. Through continuous innovation, WAGO works to reduce material consumption, improve energy efficiency, and develop products with exceptionally long service lives. Its maintenance-free spring clamp technology contributes significantly to resource conservation by minimizing wear, reducing maintenance requirements, and extending the lifespan of electrical installations. 

Find out more about WAGO and electrical engineering

– Nothing stands in the way of your new project –

Planning your next onboard electrical project? Then read our guide to boat electrics. Here you can find out everything about green energy on board, battery charging technology and shore power. You can also read about new electrical installations on board here. 

At SVB, you’ll find everything a (boat) electrician could wish for. From new lights and solar and battery technology to the smallest components relating to on-board electrical systems. With fascinating videos, showing how cables are laid on board and what accessories you’ll need for the job.