29/07/2022
50 Years Ago at the Founding of Lumberg Netherlands - Part 7: Industrial Revolution
Fifty years ago, in October 1972, Lumberg Netherlands was established as a branch of the German company Lumberg. This marked a significant milestone, and throughout this year, we are reflecting on the key moments in our rich history. In this series, we explore what else happened in that pivotal year. Here’s part 7: The Industrial Revolution.
The Second Industrial Revolution
The Second Industrial Revolution officially spanned from 1870 to 1910, but it wasn't until 1972 that the concept truly gained significance. From this year onward, the importance of new technologies was increasingly emphasized. Examples include electricity, the oil industry, the internal combustion engine, new materials and chemicals, and communication technologies such as the telegraph and radio. While the First Industrial Revolution focused on iron, steam technology, and textile production, the Second Industrial Revolution was characterized by advancements in steel, railroads, electricity, and chemicals.
Digital Revolution
The Second Industrial Revolution was quickly followed by the Digital (or Third) Revolution. This revolution saw a shift from mechanical and analog electronic technology to digital and computer technology. In 1971, Intel introduced the first "computer on a chip." Due to its low production costs, this first microchip became the driving force behind the development of microelectronics.
In 1972, the International Network Working Group (INWG) was established, and ARPANET (the precursor to the World Wide Web) was opened up to non-university and non-governmental institutions.
The Digital Revolution brought both challenges, such as information overload and cybercrime, and benefits, such as increased connectivity, easier communication, and a wealth of freely accessible information.
Manufacturing Industry
As of 2022, the Dutch manufacturing industry is a leader in automation and innovation. It is one of the most important economic sectors in the Netherlands. More and more Dutch companies are innovating their processes, enabling more efficient production and opening up new markets.
This was also the birthplace of industrial automation. Companies recognized the potential for increased efficiency through automation. Now, 50 years later, we have entered Industry 4.0, also known as the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Lumberg Netherlands remains at the heart of the manufacturing industry, providing a comprehensive portfolio of connectivity solutions for industrial automation projects.