HP History: A Global Technology Pioneer

The Early Years: 1939-1960

HP was founded in 1939 by Bill Hewlett and Dave Packard in a Palo Alto garage. They started by manufacturing electronic test equipment and quickly gained a reputation for quality and innovation.

During World War II, HP supplied the U.S. military with radar and navigation systems. This experience helped the company develop a strong engineering culture and a commitment to innovation.

Expansion and Growth: 1960-1980

After the war, HP expanded its product line to include medical equipment, calculators, and computers. The company also began to establish a global presence, opening offices and manufacturing facilities around the world.

In 1972, HP introduced the HP-35, the first scientific calculator. This product was a huge success and helped make HP a leader in the calculator market.

The PC Revolution: 1980-2000

The 1980s saw the rise of the personal computer (PC). HP was a late entrant to the PC market, but it quickly became a major player.

In 1984, HP introduced the HP-150, its first PC. The HP-150 was a success, and HP quickly expanded its PC line to include a wide range of models.

Acquisition and Growth: 2000-Present

In 2002, HP acquired Compaq, another major PC manufacturer. This acquisition made HP the world's largest PC company.

In recent years, HP has continued to expand its product line to include a wide range of products, including printers, scanners, servers, and storage devices.

HP Today

Today, HP is a global technology leader with a wide range of products and services. The company employs over 300,000 people worldwide and has a revenue of over $50 billion.

HP is committed to innovation and continues to invest heavily in research and development. The company is also a leader in sustainability and has a goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2025.