SCHOTT ELECTRIC MARKS 40TH ANNIVERSARY

Schott Electrical Distributors Inc., 1109 N. Kingshighway, is observing its 40th anniversary in Cape Girardeau.

The company was founded in 1959, by William B. Schott and his children -- Dorothy Schott Holland, Harold Schott and Robert Schott.

Schott Electric started by selling electrical item, cooling products, lighting and appliances.

In 1975, Schott Electrical Distributors became distributor for the Allen Bradley line of automation and industrial controls. The company started focusing on industrial and commercial business.

In 1982, Robert Schott became sole owner of the company.

In 1998, Schott Electrical became Schott Electric Supply, a division of SMC Electric Supply, headquartered in Springfield, which purchased the local company.

SMC and Schott Electric Supply products have more than doubled, and additional personnel has been added to meet the growing needs of the company.