Our history

Founded in Paris in 1898, Société d’électricité et automobiles Mors began as an electrical‑engineering company during the early era of electrification. Although later known for automotive achievements, its original strength lay in electrical systems, controls, and industrial engineering—foundations that would influence later generations of Mors‑branded technology.

Nederlandse Instrumenten Fabriek (NIF) was established in 1900 in the Netherlands to manufacture electrical instruments and measurement devices. Serving rapidly industrializing markets, NIF built a reputation for precision, reliability, and practical engineering, supporting infrastructure, utilities, and industrial customers requiring dependable electrical measurement solutions.

Instrumentenfabriek Smitt was founded in 1902, focusing on electrical instruments and components for industrial applications. The company emphasized durability, engineering quality, and reliability in demanding environments. Smitt’s strong technical culture and customer focus became key elements in later mergers and the development of combined electrical‑engineering expertise.

In 1913, Nederlandse Instrumenten Fabriek was renamed NIEAF, reflecting its growth and broader technical scope. The name change marked a new phase of development, strengthening the company's identity as a leading Dutch supplier of electrical instruments and industrial solutions while maintaining its commitment to quality and engineering reliability. In the years that followed, NIEAF continued to expand its expertise and product range, steadily evolving alongside the growing demands of industry and infrastructure.

NIEAF and Instrumentenfabriek Smitt merged in 1984 to form Nieaf‑Smitt. The merger combined complementary expertise in electrical instruments, components, and control technologies, strengthening technical capabilities and market reach. The new organization became a solid supplier to industrial and railway sectors requiring dependable electrical solutions.

In 1996, Nieaf‑Smitt merged with Mors, uniting Dutch and French electrical‑engineering traditions. The merger formed Mors Smitt, focused on high‑reliability relays and control solutions for railway, industrial, and energy markets, combining long‑standing expertise with a clear emphasis on safety‑critical performance.

Mors Smitt was acquired by Wabtec in 2012, becoming part of a global leader in rail technology. The acquisition expanded Mors Smitt’s international reach and innovation capabilities while preserving its focus on high‑reliability electrical components for safety‑critical railway and industrial applications worldwide.

In 2015, Mors Smitt acquired RMS Australia, strengthening its portfolio in relay monitoring and protection technologies. The acquisition expanded expertise in diagnostics and safety systems and reinforced the group’s presence in the Asia‑Pacific region, supporting railway and industrial customers with advanced monitoring solutions.

In 2018, the group’s companies were legally merged into Wabtec Netherlands to streamline operations. Established brand names such as Mors Smitt and Nieaf‑Smitt were retained, preserving heritage and market recognition while aligning all activities under a single legal entity within the Wabtec organization.

Fanox became part of Wabtec Netherlands in 2024, adding advanced electronic protection and control technologies to the group’s portfolio. The acquisition strengthened capabilities in motor protection, energy management, and industrial electronics, supporting continued innovation across railway, industrial, and energy markets.

The Mors Smitt brand and its entities are part of Wabtec Cooperation.