Our story
Since 1879, our historic site in Cortaillod has been at the heart of the development of the cable industry, playing a key role in electrification and innovation in Switzerland and beyond. This emblematic site, where tradition and modernity meet, bears witness to more than 145 years of know-how, daring and passion.
From the manufacture of the first high-voltage cables to the production of fibre optics, our history is marked by major technological advances that have shaped the future of energy. Over the decades, we have adapted and innovated to meet the changing needs of our customers, while remaining true to our roots.
Today, Nexans Switzerland continues to carry this heritage with pride, committing itself to the energy transition and developing sustainable, high-performance solutions to electrify the future.
Milestones
| 1879 | Founding of Cable works Cortaillod |
| 1881 | François Borel invents the lead press |
| 1892 | First 3 kV network in Paris (Champs-Elysées) |
| 1897 | Cable works Cortaillod founded "la Société Française des Câbles Électriques, système Berthoud, Borel et Compagnie" in Lyon |
| 1898 | Cable works Cortaillod founded SüdKabel in Mannheim which became ABB Kabel+Draht, then SüdKabel in 2004 |
| 1918 | First 66 kV mass-impregnated cable for the Swiss Railways |
| 1928 | First 132 kV Oil pressure cable for the Swiss Railways |
| 1948 | First 18 kV PE Insulated Cable |
| 1959 | Type Test of a 400 kV HPOF cable |
| 1970 | First low voltage cables with cross-linked polyethylene insulation |
| 1978 | Manufacture of optical fibres |
| 1990 | FIRST 400 KV CABLES IN XLPE |
| 1995 | MERGER OF CORTAILLOD AND COSSONAY |
| 1997 | The company is bought by Alcatel Alsthom and is renamed Alcatel Cable Switzerland |
| 2000 | Creation of Nexans |
| 2016 | CENTRALISATION OF PRODUCTION AT THE CORTAILLOD SITE |
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