100 Years of TeSys: With BPX since the late 1960s

The journey to 100 years of TeSys began in 1924 with the introduction of the first TeSys contactor, which replaced the knife lever with a rotating bar. This marked a significant breakthrough in safety and compactness for motor control.

Without a doubt, this centenary could not have been achieved without collaborative effort. In this piece, we focus on the period when TeSys was first introduced to the UK. Since the late 1960s, BPX has played a vital role in the success of TeSys as one of Schneider Electric’s first UK distributors.

We were introduced to the TeSys contactor by Robert Hudson, the inaugural Managing Director of Telemecanique. Recognising its revolutionary technology, we introduced it to the burgeoning machine tool industry in the Midlands, along with the crane and quarrying sectors.

TySys product catalogues, dating back to the 1970s, showing signs of heavy wear and tear

Today, BPX operates across 15 locations in the UK and Ireland, specialising in industrial automation and control. Our motto, “Help to choose, help to use,” reflects our commitment to assisting customers in finding modern equivalents for older contactors, leveraging our extensive product knowledge and catalogs dating back to the 1970s.

We host seminars where customers can engage directly with Schneider Electric’s experts, allowing system integrators and machine builders to explore the latest technologies. Additionally, we produce videos showcasing successful TeSys applications.

From Schneider Electric’s perspective, BPX has played a crucial role in the success and development of TeSys over the years. We assist customers in finding tailored solutions for their challenges and collaborate with Schneider Electric on future product developments by sharing valuable customer feedback. This partnership has ensured that TeSys continues to evolve, meeting modern requirements while remaining a reliable, sustainable, and efficient choice for OEMs, system integrators, and end users.

The evolution of TeSys is built on continuous learning and collaboration. Notably, while its core functionality has remained unchanged over the past century, TeSys Island has introduced essential energy monitoring and data collection tools to enhance sustainability. This integration provides clients with insights to reduce energy consumption, featuring digital load management solutions for improved machine intelligence and remote access to predictive data.

Robert Hudson, the inaugural Managing Director of Telemecanique, presenting a two million pound club certificate to the late BPX founder, William “Bill” Collins.

TeSys represents trust – between Schneider Electric, BPX, and our customers. Our role as technology integration partners goes beyond sales; we build relationships and provide technical support. We connect Schneider Electric with numerous machine builders, panel builders, and system integrators, eight BPX branches achieving the prestigious ‘Master Level’ status as Schneider Electric Industrial Automation Distributors.

Looking ahead, we anticipate changes in environmental legislation that will impact our industry. We are committed to navigating these changes thoughtfully to uphold our legacy of innovation and customer support.

In a rapidly evolving industrial automation market, BPX has been recognised as Schneider Electric’s Global Alliance Partner of the Year for 2024. For 2025, we proudly remain the world’s first and the the UK’s only Schneider Electric Alliance Master IAD, specialising in Motion & Robotics, Drives, Sustainability, Software, and Services.

To help us celebrate the centenary – 100 years of TeSys: With BPX Since the Late 1960s – we would like to thank Industrial Automation Distribution Sales Manager Georjina Buckley and Jocelyn Golding, OEM, Industrial SI & IAD Channel Manager, both from Schneider Electric, who our very own Roger Collins recently met with, to gather and share the insights you have read here today.