Philips facts for kids
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Headquarters in Amsterdam, 2009
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Formerly
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| Public | |
| Traded as |
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| Industry | Conglomerate |
| Founded | 15 May 1891 Eindhoven, Netherlands |
| Founders | Gerard and Anton Philips |
| Headquarters | Amsterdam, Netherlands |
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Area served
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Worldwide |
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Key people
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| Products |
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| Revenue |  €18.17 billion (2023) |
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Operating income
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▲ €−115 million (2023) |
| ▲ €−463 million (2023) | |
| Total assets |  €29.41 billion (2023) |
| Total equity | €12.06 billion (2023) |
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Number of employees
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69,656 (2023) |
Philips, officially called Koninklijke Philips N.V. (which means "Royal Philips"), is a big company from the Netherlands. It started in Eindhoven in 1891. Today, its main office is in Amsterdam.
Philips used to be one of the world's largest electronics companies. Now, it mainly focuses on health technology. This includes making medical equipment and health-related products.
The company was started by Gerard Philips and his father Frederik. Their first products were light bulbs. Today, Philips has about 80,000 employees in 100 countries. Philips got its "Royal" title in 1998. It changed its name in 2013 to show its new focus on healthcare.
Philips is divided into three main parts: Personal Health, Connected Care, and Diagnosis & Treatment. The part that made lights became a separate company called Signify N.V..
Philips has invented many cool things over the years. These include electric shavers, the Compact Cassette (a type of audiotape), and the compact disc (CD), which it created with Sony.
Philips' Story: A Journey Through Time
The Philips Company began in 1891. It was founded by Dutch businessman Gerard Philips and his father, Frederik Philips. Frederik, a banker, helped pay for an empty factory in Eindhoven. There, the company started making carbon-filament lamps and other electrical items in 1892. This first factory is now a museum.
In 1895, after some tough years, Gerard's younger brother, Anton Philips, joined the company. Anton had an engineering degree. He started in sales but soon brought many important business ideas. With Anton's help, the family business grew quickly. They started Philips Metal Filament Lamp Factory Ltd. in 1908. Then, in 1912, they founded Philips Lightbulb Factories Ltd. These steps helped Philips become the big global company it is today.
In the 1920s, Philips began making other products, like vacuum tubes.
Radio Broadcasting and Innovation
On March 11, 1927, Philips started its own shortwave radio station, PCJJ. Later, another station, PHI, joined it in 1929. PHOHI broadcast in Dutch to the Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia). PHI broadcast in English and other languages to the Eastern part of the world. PCJJ broadcast in English, Spanish, and German to other parts of the world.
The international Sunday program started in 1928. It featured the Happy Station with host Eddie Startz. This became the world's longest-running shortwave radio show. German forces stopped broadcasts from the Netherlands in May 1940. They took over the transmitters for their own messages.
In the early 1930s, Philips introduced the "Chapel" radio. This radio had a speaker built right into it.
After the war, Philips Radio's stations became part of Radio Netherlands Worldwide. Some shows, like Happy Station, continued on the new station.
The Quiet Power of the Stirling Engine
In the 1930s, Philips wanted to sell more radios. They needed a small, portable power source for places without electricity. Engineers at Philips' research lab looked at different power sources. They found that the Stirling engine was a great choice. It was quiet and could run on many types of fuel, like lamp oil.
They believed that new materials and knowledge could make the Stirling engine much better. Their first test engine made 16 watts of power. They continued to develop these engines during World War II. By the late 1940s, they had a model ready for production. It was called the "Bungalow set" and produced 180-200 watts of electricity.
About 150 of these sets were made, but they were too expensive. Also, new transistor radios needed much less power. Philips continued to work on Stirling engines until the late 1970s. Their only big success was the "reversed Stirling engine" cryocooler, which makes things very cold. Philips shared its knowledge and patents with other companies.
Electric Shavers: A Smooth Start
The first Philips shaver came out in 1939. It was simply called Philishave. In the US, it was known as Norelco. Philishave has been a part of Philips' products ever since.
Philips During World War II
On May 9, 1940, Philips leaders learned that Germany would invade the Netherlands the next day. Anton Philips and his son-in-law Frans Otten quickly left for the United States. They took a lot of the company's money with them. From the US, they ran the company as the North American Philips Company during the war. The company's official location was moved to the Netherlands Antilles on paper. This kept it out of German control.
The British Royal Air Force (RAF) bombed the Philips Radio factory in Eindhoven on December 6, 1942. It was damaged, but few Dutch workers were hurt. The factory was bombed again on March 30, 1943.
Frits Philips, Anton's son, stayed in the Netherlands. He saved the lives of 382 Jewish people. He convinced the Nazis that these workers were essential for Philips' production. In 1943, he was held in a camp for a few months because of a strike at his factory. In 1995, he was honored as a "Righteous Among the Nations" for his brave actions.
Growth and Innovation: 1945-1999
After the war, Philips moved its main office back to the Netherlands, in Eindhoven.
In 1949, Philips started selling television sets. In 1950, they created Philips Records, a music company.
In 1963, Philips introduced the Compact Cassette audio tape format. It became very popular. Cassettes were first used for recording voices in offices. As their sound got better, people used them to record and sell music.
Philips also made the first portable radio and cassette recorder, known as the "radio recorder" or boom box. Cassettes were even used to store data for early personal computers. Philips later made smaller cassettes for professionals, like the Mini-Cassette.
In 1972, Philips launched the world's first home video cassette recorder, the N1500. Its tapes could record for 30 or 45 minutes. Later, 1-hour tapes were available. Philips then introduced the N1700 system, which allowed 2-hour recordings. This meant a full movie could fit on one tape. Japanese companies soon copied this idea with cheaper tapes. Philips tried one more video format, Video 2000, with tapes that could record for 8 hours. But because Philips mostly sold in Europe, and Japanese companies sold worldwide, Philips joined the VHS group.
Philips also developed the LaserDisc for movies. In 1982, Philips worked with Sony to launch the compact disc (CD). This format led to the CD-R, CD-RW, DVD, and later Blu-ray discs.
In 1984, Philips helped create ASML. This company makes machines for producing computer chips. ASML has become a world leader in this field.
Philips also partnered with Sony to develop the CD-i, an "interactive" disc for TVs. Philips made most of the CD-i players. It was later marketed as a video game console but was not very successful.
In the 1980s and 1990s, Philips faced challenges. Its profits dropped, and it lost its position as a top electronics company.
In 1991, the company's name changed to Philips Electronics N.V. In 1997, the main office moved from Eindhoven to Amsterdam. The name changed again to Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. in 1998.
Focusing on Health: 2000s and Beyond
The move to Amsterdam was finished in 2001. Philips Lighting, Philips Research, and Philips Design are still in Eindhoven. Philips Healthcare has offices near Eindhoven and in the US.
In 2000, Philips bought Optiva Corporation, which made Sonicare electric toothbrushes. In 2001, Philips bought Agilent Technologies' Healthcare Solutions Group.
In 2004, Philips changed its slogan from "Let's make things better" to "Sense and Simplicity."
In 2005, Philips decided to sell its semiconductor (computer chip) division. This part of the company became NXP Semiconductors in 2006.
Philips bought Lifeline Systems in 2006 to grow its consumer-health business. In 2007, it acquired Respironics, a company that makes products for breathing and sleep.
In 2010, Philips introduced the Airfryer, a popular kitchen appliance.
Philips bought several companies in 2011, including Optimum Lighting and Preethi, an Indian kitchen appliance company.
In 2011, Philips announced job cuts to save money. The company lost money in 2011 but started making a profit again in 2012.
In 2012, Philips was fined by the European Union for working with other companies to fix TV prices.
In 2013, Philips sold its audio and video businesses to Funai Electric. Philips later ended this deal because of a contract issue.
In 2013, Philips removed "Electronics" from its name, becoming Royal Philips N.V. It also launched a new brand slogan: "Innovation and You." This slogan means that innovation should help people with their needs.
In 2014, Philips announced a plan to split into two companies. The lighting business would separate from the healthcare and consumer lifestyle parts. This split was completed in 2015.
In 2015, Philips bought Volcano Corporation to improve its non-invasive surgery and imaging products. In 2016, the lighting division became a separate company called Philips Lighting N.V. (later renamed Signify N.V. in 2018). Philips then focused even more on healthcare.
In 2017, Philips bought Spectranetics Corp, a company that makes devices for heart disease. It also launched Philips Ventures, a fund for health technology companies.
Recent Developments: 2020s
In 2021, Philips' Domestic Appliances business was sold to Hillhouse Capital.
In 2022, Frans van Houten, who had been CEO for 12 years, stepped down. Roy Jakobs became the new CEO.
In 2023, Philips announced it would cut 6,000 jobs worldwide. This was after the company reported losses in 2022. These cuts were in addition to 4,000 jobs cut in 2022.
In August 2023, Exor N.V., a holding company, bought a 15% share in Philips.
Who Leads Philips?
Past and Present CEOs
- 1891–1922: Gerard Philips
- 1922–1939: Anton Philips
- 1939–1961: Frans Otten
- 1961–1971: Frits Philips
- 1971–1977: Henk van Riemsdijk
- 1977–1981: Nico Rodenburg
- 1981–1982: Cor Dillen
- 1982–1986: Wisse Dekker
- 1986–1990: Cor van der Klugt
- 1990–1996: Jan Timmer
- 1996–2001: Cor Boonstra
- 2001–2011: Gerard Kleisterlee
- 2011–2022: Frans van Houten
- 2022–present: Roy Jakobs
Chief Financial Officers (CFOs)
- 1960–1968: Cor Dillen
- –1997: Dudley Eustace
- 1997–2005: Jan Hommen
- 2008-2015: Ron Wirahadiraksa
- 2015–present: Abhijit Bhattacharya
Companies Philips Has Acquired
Philips has grown by buying many other companies over the years. Some of these include Sonicare (electric toothbrushes), Respironics (breathing devices), and parts of Westinghouse. These acquisitions helped Philips expand its products and reach.
How Philips Operates Around the World
Philips is a public company based in Amsterdam, Netherlands. By the end of 2013, Philips had 111 factories and 59 research and development (R&D) centers. They also had sales and service offices in about 100 countries.
Philips is divided into three main parts: Philips Consumer Lifestyle, Philips Healthcare, and Philips Lighting (which is now a separate company, Signify). In 2011, Philips made over €22 billion in total sales. Philips also invests a lot in research and development. They have many patents, trademarks, and design rights for their inventions.
Philips in Asia
Thailand
Philips Thailand started in 1952. It makes healthcare, lifestyle, and lighting products. Philips began making lamps in Thailand in 1960.
Hong Kong
Philips Hong Kong opened in 1948. It is home to Philips' global Audio Business Unit. It also has regional offices for Asia Pacific and headquarters for Design, Home Appliances, Lighting, and Medical Systems.
China
Philips started its first joint company in China in 1987. It was with Beijing Radio Factory to make audio products. In 1990, a factory opened in Zhuhai to make Philishaves and healthcare products. Today, China is Philips' second-largest market.
India
Philips began in India in 1930, selling imported lamps. In 1938, Philips opened its first lamp factory in Kolkata. In 1948, they started making radios in Kolkata. Philips India is now a major healthcare company. It focuses on imaging, ultrasound, and sleep and respiratory care products.
Israel
Philips has been active in Israel since 1948. Philips Medical Systems Technologies Ltd. in Haifa makes Computerized Tomography (CT) and Medical Imaging systems.
Pakistan
Philips has been active in Pakistan since 1948. Its main office is in Karachi.
Singapore
Philips started in Singapore in 1951 as a distributor. Later, Philips built factories there. Since 1972, its regional headquarters has been in Toa Payoh. A new Philips APAC HQ building opened in 2016.
Philips in Europe
Denmark
Philips Denmark was founded in Copenhagen in 1927. In 1963, Philips created a TV and Test Equipment lab. Here, engineers developed famous television test cards, like the Philips PM5544.
France
Philips France has its headquarters in Suresnes. It employs over 3,600 people. Philips Lighting used to have factories in France, but these were sold or closed before 2016.
Germany
Philips Germany started in 1926 in Berlin. Its headquarters are now in Hamburg. Over 4,900 people work for Philips in Germany. They have offices and research labs in several cities.
Italy
Philips started its Italian branch in 1923 in Milan. Philips Italia now focuses only on sales.
Poland
Philips has a financial center in Łódź, lighting factories, and a home appliances factory in Białystok.
Portugal
Philips started in Portugal in 1927. Its headquarters are near Lisbon. Philips used to have factories in Portugal that made lamps and camera parts.
United Kingdom
Philips UK has its headquarters in Guildford. It employs over 2,500 people. They have offices for healthcare, consumer products, dictation systems, and research.
Philips in North America
Canada
Philips Canada was founded in 1941. It is known for medical systems, lighting, shavers, and consumer electronics. Its headquarters are in Markham, Ontario. Philips used to make lighting products in Canada but closed those factories.
United States
Philips' North American headquarters are in Cambridge, Massachusetts. They have manufacturing plants and distribution centers across the US. Philips Healthcare has a health-tech hub in Nashville, Tennessee.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Philips increased its production of ventilators. In 2020, they made a contract with the US government for 43,000 ventilators.
Philips in Oceania
Australia and New Zealand
Philips Australia started in 1927. Its headquarters are in North Ryde, New South Wales. It also manages the New Zealand operations. Philips Australia has about 800 employees. They have offices in major cities like Melbourne and Auckland.
What Philips Makes
Philips' main products today are:
- Consumer electronics and electrical products: These include small home appliances, shavers, beauty products, baby care items, electric toothbrushes, and coffee makers. Other products like smartphones and audio equipment are sold under the Philips brand by other companies.
- Healthcare products: These include CT scanners, ECG equipment, mammography machines, and MRI scanners. They also make equipment for monitoring patients, X-rays, and resuscitation.
In 2020, Philips announced it was looking to sell its domestic appliances division. This includes products like coffee machines and air fryers.
Lighting Products
Even though the lighting division is now a separate company (Signify), it still makes Philips-branded lights:
- Lights for professional indoor and outdoor use.
- Special lamps and lighting control systems.
- Lights for growing plants (horticulture).
- Solar LED lights.
- Smart lighting systems for offices, stores, and cities.
- Lamps and fixtures for homes, including Philips Hue smart home systems.
- Car lights.
Audio Products
Philips audio products include:
- Hi-fi systems
- Wireless speakers
- Radio systems
- Headphones
- Alarm clocks
Healthcare Products
Philips healthcare products help doctors and patients:
Clinical Informatics
These are computer systems that help manage patient information and images.
Imaging Systems
These machines help doctors see inside the body:
- Computed tomography (CT) scans
- Fluoroscopy
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Mammography
- Nuclear medicine
- Ultrasound
- X-ray equipment
Diagnostic Monitoring
These devices help check a patient's health, like diagnostic ECGs (for heart activity).
Defibrillators
These devices help restart a heart that has stopped. They include Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) and portable monitor/defibrillators.
Patient Care and Clinical Informatics
These systems help monitor patients and manage their care:
- Monitoring for blood pressure, heart rate (ECG), and breathing.
- Systems for managing patient information in hospitals.
Philips Logo Over Time
The famous Philips logo with stars and waves was designed by Dutch architect Louis Kalff.
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1938–68
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1968–2008
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2008–13
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2013–present
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Wordmark (1968–2008)
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Wordmark (2008–present)
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Philips Slogans
- Trust In Philips Is Worldwide (1960–1974)
- Simply Years Ahead (1974–1981)
- We Want You To Have The Best (1981–1985)
- Take a Closer Look (1985–1995)
- Let's Make Things Better (1995–2004)
- Sense & Simplicity (2004–2013)
- Innovation & You (2013–present)
Sponsoring Sports and Events
In 1913, Philips started a sports club called Philips Sports Vereniging (Philips Sports Club). It is now known as PSV Eindhoven. The club is famous for its football (soccer) team. Philips owns the naming rights to Philips Stadium in Eindhoven, which is PSV Eindhoven's home field.
Philips has also sponsored many other sports clubs and events around the world. These include the Philips Championship basketball league in Australia. From 1999 to 2018, Philips had the naming rights to Philips Arena in Atlanta, where the Atlanta Hawks basketball team plays.
Outside of sports, Philips sponsors the international Philips Monsters of Rock festival.
Environmental Efforts
Circular Economy
Philips is a leader in promoting the circular economy. This idea means reusing and recycling materials as much as possible to reduce waste. Philips works with groups like the Ellen MacArthur Foundation to apply these ideas in its business.
Eco-Friendly Products
Philips has an EcoVision plan to make its products more environmentally friendly. They focus on making products that use less energy.
Philips marks its "green" products with a special Philips Green Logo. This shows that these products are much better for the environment than others.
In 2011, Philips won a $10 million prize from the US Department of Energy. They won for creating a very efficient, long-lasting LED lightbulb. This LED bulb uses only 10 watts of power but gives off a lot of light.
In 2016, Philips introduced the "Dubai Lamp." These LED lamps are very efficient, using only 3 watts to produce a lot of light.
Greenpeace Ranking
In Greenpeace's 2012 Guide to Greener Electronics, Philips ranked 10th. This guide rates electronics companies on their environmental efforts. Philips scored well for its work on energy efficiency. It also received praise for making new products without certain harmful plastics. Philips has improved its commitment to taking responsibility for the environmental impact of its products.
See also
In Spanish: Philips para niños
