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The Founding of WAGO

 11 March 2024

1960-1969

Ready for the Global Market

In 1961, Wolfgang Hohorst joined the company, bringing several new ideas with him. With his vision for spring pressure connection technology – better, safer, more economical – he charted a new course for the company. A watershed moment occurred in 1966 when WAGO switched from thermoset to polyamide 6.6 for rail-mount terminal block housings – a global first. In addition, PCB connectors and solderable terminal blocks with spring clamp connections joined the company’s product portfolio in the 1960s. Using spring pressure connection technology in electronic ballasts and capacitor terminal blocks helped WAGO break into the lighting industry.

Product Developments and Events from the 1960s

  • 1961: Wolfgang Hohorst joins the company
  • 1963: First rail-mount terminal block with 4-conductor PUSH WIRE® connection for the elevator and signal device industries
  • 1964: First modular PCB terminal block with spring clamp connection
  • 1965: First PCB connector with spring clamp connection
  • 1966: The world’s first use of polyamide 6.6 for rail-mount terminal block housings
  • 1968: First screwless pluggable terminal block for capacitors
  • 1969: First screwable/pluggable terminal block for electronic ballasts
MM-17597_decade_collages_1960.jpg

Milestones in the 1960s

1967

The Triumph of PCBs – WAGO Takes the Lead

Until 1967, there were no pluggable connectors and solderable terminal blocks with spring pressure connections for PCBs. Therefore, WAGO developed the first direct plugs for PCBs with spring pressure connection technology for solid and fine-stranded conductors from 0.2 to 1 mm⊃2. The plugs have a modular structure and are available with 12, 18, 24, 30 and 36 poles. Simultaneously, WAGO introduced its first family of PCB terminal blocks with spring pressure connection technology and integrated test sockets as the 1960s ended. The modular design of the terminal blocks enables extremely cost-effective production of any number of poles. WAGO’s entry into PCB connection components was successful.