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Schneider/Square D and Habitat for Humanity build six houses on Gulf Coast

01/17/2008

Palatine, Ill. — Jan. 16 — More than 200 Schneider Electric/Square D business leaders will work alongside Ocean Springs, Miss., residents Jan. 30 to build six houses with Habitat for Humanity. For the second consecutive year, the rebuilding efforts kick off the Schneider Electric North American Operating Division’s annual Leadership Forum and continue to build upon the company’s 4 1/2-year, $7-million commitment to Habitat for Humanity that was pledged in 2007. The funding will provide Habitat homes across North America with Square D brand electrical distribution equipment. Square D is the flagship brand of Schneider Electric in the United States for NEMA-type electrical distribution and industrial control products, systems and services.

Building six homes in Ocean Springs continues the Schneider Electric/Square D commitment to rebuilding the hurricane-ravaged Gulf region and assisting Habitat for Humanity in its efforts to help low-income and hurricane-displaced families achieve homeownership.

The January 2008 Leadership Forum of the Schneider Electric North American Operating Division sets the direction of the new business year for the company’s senior management team. This year, the forum will be held in Biloxi, Miss., to underscore the organization’s National Partner relationship with Habitat for Humanity and its commitment to employee involvement and service to the community. Using its senior leadership team as an example, the company wants to illustrate that in 2008, it will be “Building the Future Together.”

 “Schneider Electric/Square D is continuing its important commitment to those who feel the impact of the 2005 hurricane season,” said Dave Petratis, president and CEO of the Schneider Electric North American Operating Division. “Our long-standing relationship with Habitat for Humanity has allowed us to rebuild a region after disaster strikes and make a positive impact where hope is needed.”

As a National Partner and a Cornerstone Society member of Habitat’s "More Than Houses” campaign, Schneider Electric/Square D has already contributed approximately $6 million in residential electrical distribution equipment for use in homes built in the United States, Canada and Mexico since 2001. In addition, the company has continually donated labor and supplies, as well as pledged $7 million to rebuilding initiatives in the Gulf region, working to restore local homes and cherished community locations damaged by Hurricane Katrina. 

“I was fortunate to be a guest at last year’s Leadership Forum in the Gulf and was quickly reminded of the enthusiasm and commitment the entire Schneider Electric-North America team has for the life-changing work of Habitat for Humanity,” said Jonathan Reckford, CEO, Habitat for Humanity International.  “We’re very grateful for the partnership and for the extent to which it has generously demonstrated that commitment through product donations, volunteer labor and other means of support. It is helping us deliver a lasting impact not only in the Gulf Coast region, but throughout the United States.”

The $7 million financial commitment to Habitat for Humanity will provide each home built in North America with a Square D brand load center, circuit breakers and other related electrical equipment. Since the commitment was made, more than 10,600 Square D load centers and circuit breakers have been installed in North American homes.