MERZ Schaltgeräte GMBH + CO KG

What MERZ Schaltgeräte GMBH + CO KG does

MERZ Schaltgeräte GMBH + CO KG is a German manufacturer of electromechanical switching devices headquartered in Gaildorf, Baden-Württemberg, operating as a 100% subsidiary of MERZ GmbH under the PCE Group (PC Electric). The company designs, produces, and sells a portfolio of low-voltage switchgear including repair and maintenance switches, DC load break disconnectors, compact switches (ML series), cam switches (MN series), undervoltage-release (UVR) switches, motor protective circuit breakers (MS25), and transfer/changeover switches, alongside industry-specific special switches (MN104–MN756) configurable up to IP69K/NEMA 4X and DC combiner boxes (MSB series) for photovoltaic installations. Its technical differentiation rests on a modular Baukastenprinzip (building-block system) that enables tens of thousands of custom configurations, combined with in-house tooling, injection molding, and assembly capabilities, and compliance with IEC/EN 60947, UL 60947-1, UL 508, REACH, RoHS, and Dodd-Frank standards.

The business operates a sales-led, hardware-revenue model, monetizing one-time product orders, repeat replacement switch orders (EUR 75 minimum order value), and project-based custom switch configurations. Distribution runs through a global network of representatives and distributors covering more than 40 countries, supplemented by direct engagement via phone, email, the company website's replacement switch ordering platform, and an MZ-number-based ONLINE Product Search tool that delivers 3D models, CAD data, and technical specifications. End-customer segments span industrial manufacturing and machinery (primary), photovoltaic/solar energy (primary), and HVAC/climate and ventilation (secondary).

The company traces its roots to the 1946 founding of the Gustav MERZ Schaltgeräte- und Apparatebaufabrik, passed through family leadership in 1972, was acquired by Schupa GmbH + Co. KG (later GEWISS Deutschland) in 1990, and was acquired by PC Electric in 2005, with the current KG entity established in 2008. Jürgen Schlechter serves as Managing Director. PCE Group siblings include PC Electric (Austria), Sälzer Electric (Germany), Moser Systemelektrik (Germany), PCE Polska, PCE Lanka (Sri Lanka), and Brandt GmbH (Austria).

Name

MERZ Schaltgeräte GMBH + CO KG

Legal name

MERZ Schaltgeräte GMBH + CO KG

Website

https://merz-schaltgeraete.de

Company type

Private

Founded year

1946

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

MERZ Schaltgeräte GMBH + CO KG is a German manufacturer of electromechanical switching devices — load break disconnectors, cam switches, DC switches, motor protective circuit breakers, and PV combiner boxes — serving industrial machinery, solar energy, and HVAC customers globally through a 40+ country distributor network under the PCE Group.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Industrial Switchgear

NAICS

Switchgear and Switchboard Apparatus Manufacturing (335313), Relay and Industrial Control Manufacturing (335314)

SIC

Switchgear & Switchboard Apparatus (3613), Electronic & Other Electrical Equipment (No Computer Equip) (3600)

akta.pro primary industry

Switchgear & Switchboards (HV/MV/LV, GIS/AIS) (IMAGAAAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Electromechanical Components (Relays, Switches, Potentiometers, Encoders) (IMAGAJAB), Circuit Breakers, Disconnectors, Earthing Switches & Switchgear Components (EUADACAH)

Keywords

• Electromechanical switchgear
• Load break disconnectors
• Cam switches
• Motor protective circuit breakers
• Photovoltaic DC switches

Headquarters

HQ city

Gaildorf, Baden-Württemberg

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Switchgear Product Sales: MERZ designs, manufactures, and sells electromechanical switching devices — including repair/maintenance switches, DC switches, compact switches (ML series), cam switches (MN series), UVR switches, motor protective circuit breakers, transfer/changeover switches, and custom special switches. Products are sold directly and through a global distributor/representative network. Revenue is generated through one-time product orders, repeat replacement orders, and project-based custom switch configurations. The company also offers accessories (auxiliary contacts, EMC shielding kits, shaft extensions, terminal blocks, handle attachments) as supplementary product sales.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

MERZ designs, manufactures, and sells electromechanical switching devices including repair and maintenance switches, DC switches, compact switches (ML series), cam switches (MN series), UVR undervoltage release switches, motor protective circuit breakers, transfer/changeover switches, and custom-configured special switches. Products comply with IEC/EN 60947, UL 60947-1, UL 508, and IEC/EN 60947-6-1 standards for industrial, mechanical engineering, HVAC, and photovoltaic applications. A modular Baukastenprinzip architecture enables customer-specific switch configurations across the catalog range.

Product overview

MERZ Schaltgeräte GMBH + CO KG is a manufacturer of electromechanical switching devices, operating as a 100% subsidiary of MERZ GmbH under the PCE Group. The product portfolio consists of six core switch categories: Repair and Maintenance Switches (encapsulated safety disconnectors for maintenance applications), DC Switches (load break disconnectors for photovoltaic and DC applications), Compact Switches (ML series - ON/OFF switches in open and encapsulated designs), Cam Switches (MN series - freely configurable modular switches), and UVR Switches (switches with undervoltage release). These core products are complemented by an Industry-specific Solutions range including Non-standard/Special Solution Switches (MN104-MN756 series - custom configurable from 10A to 125A), Motor Protective Circuit Breakers (MS25 series - IE3 compliant), Enclosure Series 81xx (compact robust housings), and various transfer/changeover switches including Bypass/Netschalter, VCS (Voltage Changeover Switches for generators 10kW-1.2MW), MLS Changeover Switches (per IEC 60947-3), MTSE Transfer Switches (per IEC 60947-6-1), and MLU1 Transfer Switches. Recent additions include MSB DC-Combiner Boxes for PV applications and an ONLINE Product Search tool. The company also provides a non-standard switch configuration service allowing customer-specific adaptations including custom enclosures up to IP69K/NEMA 4X.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Repair and Maintenance Switches

Quantifiable outcome

• Custom switches available with IP ratings up to IP69K/NEMA 4X for the most demanding industrial environments
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration3 records

Feature6 records

Partnerships

One partnership is on record.

• PCE Group (PC Electric)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMERZ Schaltgeräte GMBH + CO KG is a 100% subsidiary of MERZ GMBH under the umbrella of the PCE Group (PC Electric). PCE Group is a globally successful and expansive company in the electrical components industry, providing the corporate structure and shared resources under which MERZ operates. PCE Group entities include PC Electric (Austria), Sälzer Electric (Germany), Moser Systemelektrik (Germany), PCE Polska (Poland), PCE Lanka (Sri Lanka), and Brandt GmbH (Austria).

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Kraus & Naimer: Austrian-headquartered global specialist in cam switches, rotary switches, and control switches. Closely comparable to MERZ's MN cam switch line and modular Baukastenprinzip product philosophy, serving similar industrial OEM customers.
• Lovato Electric: Italian manufacturer of low-voltage electrical equipment including cam switches, motor protective circuit breakers, and changeover switches. Directly overlaps with MERZ's MN cam switches and MS25 motor protective breaker portfolio.
• GEWISS: Italian multinational manufacturer of low-voltage electrical products including switchgear, distribution boards, and industrial enclosures. Notably was MERZ's corporate parent via its German subsidiary (formerly Schupa GmbH) from 1990 to 2005, indicating deep product overlap and historical comparability.
• Benedict GmbH: Austrian niche manufacturer specializing in cam switches and rotary switching devices. Directly comparable to MERZ's MN cam switch line for industrial control applications.

Others

• Schupa GmbH: Former German owner of MERZ (1990s era, later GEWISS Deutschland). Historically competed in industrial plugs, switches, and sockets; serves as a relevant historical peer and adjacent German low-voltage electrical components competitor.

Broad incumbents

• ABB: Global electrification leader with broad LV switchgear, motor protection, and solar DC switch offerings (e.g., OT series, Formula switches). Overlaps significantly with MERZ's product categories but competes from a much larger scale and broader portfolio position.
• Schneider Electric: Global multinational offering an extensive LV switchgear, motor protection, and PV DC switching portfolio (e.g., TeSys, ComPact, DC switch-disconnectors). Competes with MERZ across standard switch categories while offering a much wider portfolio and greater R&D scale.
• Siemens: Global industrial and electrification company offering comprehensive LV switchgear, motor protective circuit breakers, and SIRIUS control switching devices. Overlaps with MERZ on standardized and custom switching for industrial automation.
• Eaton: Global power management company with broad LV switchgear, motor protection, and PV DC switch portfolios. Direct competition in standard switch categories that MERZ serves.

Regional players

• Sälzer Electric: German manufacturer of cam switches, load break switches, and main switches; sister company under PCE Group. Directly comparable in product scope and serves similar European industrial OEM customers.

Market position

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/merz_switchgear
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCzj8sOQCfvEp-IYp1LnCrcg
• Facebookfacebook.com/merzswitchgear
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/merzschaltgeraetegmbh
• Instagraminstagram.com/merz_switchgear
• Pinterestpinterest.de/MERZSchaltgeraete

Compliance12 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about MERZ Schaltgeräte GMBH + CO KG