Chapter 2: The 1950s
&
The invention
of the Push-Pull system
The 1950s were shaped by post-war recovery and reconstruction in Europe through the Marshall plan, while the Cold War intensified into a fierce rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union, extending into the early Space Race. The Treaty of Rome laid the foundations of today's European Union. At the same time, the rise of baby boomers, the coronation of Elizabeth II in 1953, and the Golden Age of TV in an increasingly prosperous America reflected a decade of demographic growth, cultural change, and US economic dominance. For Switzerland, having emerged from the Second World War with a stable currency and an almost intact infrastructure, the fifties were marked by strong industrial growth and steadily improving living standards.
For LEMO, the decade proved pivotal, marked by an invention that would shape its future growth and reputation.
1951 - The first LEMO employee
Mr Roland Ravay, a 38-year-old experienced lathe operator was the very first LEMO employee. After being approached by Léon Mouttet, he decided to give up his small screw machining workshop to join LEMO, where he remained until his retirement. Working side by side with Mr Mouttet, they produced all the parts in the workshop, while assembly and inspection were still carried out in the Mouttet family's apartment.
At that time, the workshop's equipment included 3 Peterman screw machines, 1 Schaublin lathe, 1 drilling machine, 1 milling machine and 1 grinding machine for preparing cutters for machining contacts.
Picture: Léon Mouttet and Roland Ravay's retirement in 1978.
1954 - Manufacturing connectors
From 1954 onwards, LEMO entered the market that would go on to define its reputation: connectors.
At a time when miniaturisation was accelerating, this sector was generating entirely new technical requirements.
Drawings from the Push-Pull patent
Many companies now operate in the Push-Pull connector market. However, only one can claim to have invented the system: LEMO.
The idea of a new type of connector came to Léon Mouttet during an electronics exhibition in Zurich back in 1954. Unconvinced by the standard screw-thread or bayonet locking systems on display, he immediately recognised the industry benefits of a fast and secure locking solution. He began developing the concept, initially drawing inspiration from car cigarette lighters, before creating the three-latch system that would become the Push-Pull LEMO connector.
When Léon Mouttet presented his invention to the Swiss Post, it was met with immediate interest. They had already been using small LEMO contacts and required thousands of reliable, practical connectors for telephone exchanges.
Thus began the Push-Pull adventure in 1957, an innovation that has since been adopted by numerous industries.
The very first range of Push-Pull connectors, the S Series was launched without delay.
Swiss telecommunications and CERN (European Centre for Nuclear Research) were among the first customers for the S Series. Robustness, reliability, and unrivalled coaxial performance have driven the success of these connectors, proudly "Made in Switzerland".
By the late 1950s, LEMO’s “start-up” years had come to an end. Seven people were working in the 50m2 workshop. The plans of the first purpose-built factory were beginning to take shape.