Merlin Gerin was a French electrical equipment manufacturer founded in 1920 by Paul-Louis Merlin and Gaston Gerin in Grenoble, specializing in medium and high-voltage oil circuit breakers.[1] The company grew steadily through innovation until it was acquired by Schneider in 1992.[1] In 2009, Merlin Gerin products, services, and solutions migrated to the Schneider Electric brand as its Electrical Distribution offer.[2]
Design and History
In 1960, the design studio Technés was retained by Merlin et Gerin to develop a new visual communication program that would align the publicity and visual identity of the company’s factories and products, with the intention of increasing the visibility of the business.[3] The design program began with a name change, moving from “Merlin et Gerin” to simply “Merlin Gerin” to simplify communication.[3] A new set of visual elements was then developed to improve the company’s outward image, which was intended to give the public the impression of a “young,” “dynamic,” and “steadfast” company.[3]
The Merlin Gerin symbol was designed by Gérard Guerre at Technés in 1966.[4] The mark is described as a circle-and-square logo design.[4] The design program also introduced colour to give the brand a more youthful character and to help separate a growing number of products.[3]
Meaning and Symbolism
Documented symbolism for the Merlin Gerin mark is limited. The design brief for the visual identity program called for an image that would convey a “young,” “dynamic,” and “steadfast” company.[3] The geometric circle-and-square construction of the 1966 symbol reflects the mid-century corporate design approach of the period.[4]
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