Reliance Electric

Reliance Electric is a historic American company that was involved in the design, manufacturing, and distribution of electric motors, drives, and automation control systems. The company was founded in 1904 as Reliance Electric and Engineering Company in Cleveland, Ohio.

Initially, Reliance Electric focused on producing industrial motors for a variety of applications, including manufacturing, mining, and transportation. Over the years, the company expanded its product line to include a wide range of motor and control solutions.

Reliance Electric played a significant role in the advancement of electric motor technology. It developed various innovations, such as adjustable-speed drives and solid-state motor controls, which greatly improved the efficiency and performance of electric motors. These advancements helped industries optimize their operations and reduce energy consumption.

In 1974, Reliance Electric became a subsidiary of Exxon Corporation. Under Exxon's ownership, Reliance Electric continued to grow and diversify its product offerings. The company expanded into other areas, including power transmission equipment, automation systems, and electrical controls.

In 1987, Rockwell International Corporation acquired Reliance Electric as part of its expansion into the automation and control industry. The acquisition strengthened Rockwell's position in the market, combining Reliance Electric's motor and drive expertise with Rockwell's control systems.

Rockwell Automation, a spin-off of Rockwell International, continued to operate and expand the Reliance Electric brand. However, in the early 2000s, Rockwell Automation decided to discontinue the Reliance Electric brand and focus on its core Rockwell Automation product lines. The decision was made to streamline operations and consolidate branding under a single name.

While Reliance Electric as a standalone brand is no longer active, the company's contributions to electric motor technology and industrial automation have had a lasting impact. Many of the innovations developed by Reliance Electric continue to be used today in various industries around the world.