Electro Cirkel is a wholesaler specialising in high-quality lighting products and electronic equipment, materials and components. We supply these to the shipping and manufacturing industries. In addition, we supply various brands of light sources, including our own Calex brand, and related items to the retail sector.
Since 1970
Location: Slaghekstraat, Rotterdam (near the Feyenoord stadium) Electro Cirkel was founded by Mr Van Soelen and his brother to supply ships and industry with electrical products.
Relocation to a larger office
Location: Piekstraat, Rotterdam The founders relocated to bigger premises with extra office space for the employees and more storage space for stock. At this time, the Electro Cirkel team consisted of 30 employees.
Take over California Export
Electro Cirkel acquires the company California Export (CALEX). This company specialised in navigation lights for ocean-going and inland waterway shipping. With this acquisition, Electro Cirkel became one of the biggest manufacturers of navigation lights.Lamp factory in Latvia was acquired for Calex
Because Calex had already become Electro Cirkel’s brand for navigation lights in 1987, it was a small step to use this brand to enter the wider market for lighting. A lamp factory was purchased to produce functional lighting for the Calex brand. Up to 25 million lamps were produced here per year.Relocation to a larger office
In the same year, Electro Cirkel relocated to its present premises on the Lyonstraat in Rotterdam.The founders distribute the shares in Electro Cirkel among their 5 children
Production of lamps for Calex increases
In cooperation with two Romanian factories, the production of lamps was increased to 200 million per year.Production for Calex relocates to Asia
Production was moved to the Far East, where Calex lamps are currently produced by selected manufacturers. This enabled Electro Cirkel to efficiently produce a wider range of innovative light sources for Calex.
Founding of MSW for shipping and offshore
In order to provide the shipping industry with the best products, the most competitive prices and customer-oriented service, MSW was established in Houston, America, by three Rotterdam based companies. Electro Cirkel was one of these three.
A change in management
In the same year, brother and sister Rudolf and Angeniek, become shareholders and board members of Electro Cirkel. Under their leadership, the core activities of the family business, with a sharp focus on its own lamp brand Calex, shifted towards the retail market in Europe.
Opening of International Purchase Office in China
In order to achieve advantages in the sourcing, production and quality assurance of Calex products, Electro Cirkel opened an International Purchase Office in Zhejiang, China. The employees there take care of the communication between the Chinese manufacturers and suppliers on behalf of Electro Cirkel.Electro Cirkel splits into two divisions
In this year, Electro Cirkel also divides the company into two divisions: Electro Cirkel Marine & Industry B.V. and Electro Cirkel Retail B.V. This is in order to better direct the future growth expectations for both divisions, and allow each to follow its own strategy.
Branding on Rotterdam based buildings
In 2018 the brandname Calex was placed on two of the most unique and iconic Rotterdam based buildings the Euromast and Witte Huis!
The 50th anniversary of Electro Cirkel
Opening Calex Experience Center
On October 2nd, the first Calex Experience Center officially opened its doors on the Coolsingel in Rotterdam. A temporary concept where everyone can be inspired by our complete collection. From functional lamps to various collections of decorative lighting and of course a complete Smart Home range. Everything under one roof.Our offices
Rotterdam
The NetherlandsLyonstraat 29
3047AJ Rotterdam
The Netherlands
3047AJ Rotterdam
The Netherlands
Zheijang
ChinaNo. 70 Wulipai Road
Wukan Town, Deqing County
Zhejiang, China
Wukan Town, Deqing County
Zhejiang, China
Houston
Texas, USA5978 Armour Drive
Houston, TX 77020
United States of America
Houston, TX 77020
United States of America
