Company History Of Hp

The 30s

Bill Hewlett and Dave Packard finished their studies as electrical engineersin the Stanford University in 1934. They became close friend and in 1939 they decided to start a business "and make a run for it" themselves. Hewlett-Packard Company is founded January 1939.Bill and Dave begin part-time work in a garage with $538 in working capital.

Bill's study of negative feedback results in HP's first product the resistance-capacitance audio oscillator (HP 200A), an electronic instrument used to test sound equipment.

The 40s

HPÒ's products won excellent acceptance among engineers and scientists.

Bill Hewlett and Dave Packard create a management style that forms the basis of HP's famously open corporate culture and influences. They run the company according to the principle later called management by objective. It was based on communicating overall objectives clearly and giving employees the flexibility to work toward those goals in ways that they determine are best for their own areas of responsibility.

Bill and Dave make other important management decisions: providing catastrophic medical insurance, using first names to address employees (including themselves), and throwing regular employee parties and picnics.

HP enters the microwave field. At the end of the war, this area quickly becomes an important and growing share of the company's business,

The 50

Hewlett-Packard goes through a growing and maturing process in the 1950s, learning much about the "new" technology of electronics and about the internal effects of growth. The company goes public in 1957.The growing company begins building on the site that will become its corporate headquarters in Palo Alto, California.

HP invents the high-speed frequency counter (HP 524A) and greatly reduces the time required (from about 10 minutes to one or two seconds) to measure high frequencies.

Over the years, frequency counters and related products will account for billions of dollars in revenues

In 1956 HP produces its first oscilloscopes. HP becomes a publicly traded company. Its initial public offering is held November 6, 1957 for $16 per share.

HP begins manufacturing in its first building in the Stanford Industrial Park, Palo Alto. The move to this site at is completed in 1960, when it becomes HP's corporate headquarters.

HP makes its first acquisition: F.L. Moseley Company of Pasadena, California, producer of high-quality graphic recorders. This marks HP's entry into the business of plotters,

Bill sees new possibilities for U.S. companies in Europe based on two developments: the 1957 Treaty of Rome and the European Common Market. HP steadily expands its European operations.

It also develops its first computer (the HP 2116A), making its entry into that business in 1966.

HP is listed on the New York Stock Exchange's "big board" for the first time March 17, 1961.

under the symbol HWP

The 60s

HP makes Fortune magazine's list of the top 500 U.S. companies. It enters the list at number 460

HP enters the Asian market and forms its first joint venture, Yokogawa Hewlett-Packard (YHP), in Tokyo, Japan, with Yokogawa

In 1965 HP enters acquire F&M Scientific Corporation, Avondale, Pennsylvania. The acquisition allows HP to further expand its measuring and testing expertise into the area of chemical analysis. In 1966 HP's first computer, the HP 2116A, is introduced

HP's Boeblingen, Germany, plant introduces a non-invasive fetal heart monitor that helps babies by detecting fetal distress during labor.

The 70s

The decade is marked by significant growth in earnings and employment, with HP passing the $1 billion mark in sales in 1976. The company will pass the $2 billion mark three years later in 1979. Toward the end of the decade, Bill Hewlett and Dave Packard delegate day-to-day operating management of the company to John Young.

HP produces a laser interferometer capable of measuring to millionths of an inch. It positions HP as a world leader in the market. HP becomes the first U.S. electronics firm to be invited to China for trade discussions.

HP becomes the first U.S. company to institute flexible working hours,

HP introduces the first electronic calculator to print Japanese characters.

Bill retires as president but remains CEO. Dave remains chairman of the board, and John Young is named president. Under his tenure, HP will grow to be a leader in the computing industry. In 1978 Bill retires as CEO. John Young succeeds him as CEO; he serves until 1992

It introduces the HP-01 wrist instrument, a combination digital wristwatch, calculator and personal calendar.

In 1979 HP and Chinese representatives make steps toward solidifying their business relationship. China Hewlett-Packard is eventually established in 1985.

The Hewlett-Packard Company Foundation is founded.

The 80s

HP becomes a major player in the computer industry in the 1980s with a full range of computers, from desktop machines to portables to powerful minicomputers.

HP makes its entry into the printer market with the launch of inkjet printers and laser printers that connect to personal computers. and businesses.

Near the end of the decade, HP is recognized for its rich past as well as for its technological advances and products. In 1980 it introduces its first personal computer, the HP-85 and HP's first handheld computer, the HP-75C, is introduced.

HP allows users to activate features on their PCs simply by touching the screen when it introduces its first touchscreen personal computer, the HP-150.

Bill Hewlett is awarded the National Medal of Science, the nation's highest scientific honor.

Thermal inkjet technology developed at HP is introduced in a high-quality, low-price personal printer, the HP ThinkJet.