A century of history, commitment and growth
On June 25, 1925, Gabriel Crozet registered the Simplex Electrical Equipment with the Villefranche – Tarare trade register. A century later, Ensto Novexia proudly celebrates its 100th anniversary, a symbol of an exceptional industrial and human adventure.
The major stages of evolution
1925-1950: Humble beginnings
The company started with 5 employees and experienced a first boom thanks to the EDF approval of its first overhead switch.
1962-1973: Industrialization
The move to rue de Verdun in 1962 marked the beginning of industrialisation, followed by an expansion on boulevard Pierre Pasquier (1970) and then rue Ampère (1973).
Development and internationalization
Simplex develops products for EDF, ERDF and Enedis, and adapts its solutions to meet the needs of networks around the world, particularly in Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia and French-speaking Africa.
Diversification and external growth
1977: Integration into the Socaldi holding company (Biard and Massot families)
1979: Creation of the Energy Department (battery chargers, telecommunication interfaces)
1988: Regrouping of the factories on the current site in Villefranche-sur-Saône
2000: First strategic acquisition
Acquisition of the medium-voltage overhead switches business in Soulé (Hautes Pyrénées), opening the company to the international market (Scotland, Ireland, etc.).
Merger and integration into the Ensto Group
After the merger of the activities, Simplex became Novexia, then in 2010 joined the Finnish family-owned industrial group ENSTO. This integration marks a new era of complementarity and support for development, in Calade and Haute Bigorre.
Recent external growth
2016: Acquisition of Tridelta Parafoudres in Bagnères-de-Bigorre, expanding the international presence.
2019: Acquisition of Schneider Electric's TIPI switchboard business.
Ensto Novexia today
A company that designs, manufactures and markets sustainable solutions for smart electricity distribution networks, with nearly €70 million in sales in France and in 83 countries. More than 240 permanent jobs are spread over two sites in France. It is a human adventure carried out by committed employees, with an average seniority of more than 12 years. Ensto Novexia also deploys a concrete CSR approach: ISO14001 certification, eco-design, waste management, renewable energies, soft mobility, safety and well-being at work, training, listening, code of conduct for employees and suppliers.
Investing to build the energy of tomorrow
Ensto Novexia is proud to design and manufacture all of its products and continuously invests in R&D, testing facilities and industrial facilities. Since 2015, an average of €2 million has been invested each year, with an acceleration since 2023. These investments support the development of new products, the expansion and modernisation of the sites, and ensure a strong local presence.
The latest investment to date: a 1,700 m² extension of the Villefranche-sur-Saône site, with new production facilities (presses, automated layout line, assembly lines) and innovative tools, inaugurated on the occasion of this centenary.
Centennial Celebration with Collaborators – June 11, 2025
On the occasion of its 100th anniversary, Ensto Novexia thanked and honoured its employees on an exceptional day, 11 June 2025. For the first time, the teams from the two sites in France have come together, creating a unique moment in the company's history. The participants were able to discover together the backstage of the Villefranche-sur-Saône site through an immersive tour, before sharing a convivial moment at the Château de Corcelles.
This unprecedented gathering was an opportunity to collectively celebrate a century of innovation, growth and commitment. Above all, it has strengthened cohesion between the teams, encouraged exchanges and revived pride in belonging to Ensto Novexia. A highlight that will remain engraved in the memory of all, a symbol of the team spirit and human dynamics that drive the company.
Partner & Customer Open House – November 27, 2025
On 27 November 2025, Ensto Novexia opened the doors of its site to its partners and customers to share a special moment around its century-old history and its plans for the future. This day was an opportunity to strengthen the links with the company's ecosystem, to promote innovations and to present the ambitions that will guide the coming decades. A highlight placed under the sign of conviviality, exchange and co-construction.