Hisense Logo

Hisense was founded in 1969 in Qingdao, Shandong Province, China. Originally known as Qingdao No. 2 Radio Factory, the company focused on manufacturing radios. At that time, it was a small, state-owned enterprise established when China’s electronics industry was still in its infancy.

In the 1970s, the company expanded its product line to include televisions, a pivotal move. As television became increasingly popular in China, the TV market grew rapidly.

The 1980s were a period of significant transformation for the organization. In 1984, it changed its name to Qingdao General Television Factory, focusing on TV production. During this period, the company invested heavily in research and development to improve product quality and roll out new technologies.

1992, the company was renamed, adopting a new name that combined the words “high” and “sense” to represent its commitment to advanced technology and high-quality products.

During the 1990s, the business began aggressively expanding its export activities, primarily targeting developing economies in Asia and Africa. This move was crucial in establishing a recognized global brand.

A major milestone came in 1997 when the company listed its shares on the Shanghai Stock Exchange. This initial public offering (IPO) helped raise funds for expansion and production growth.

In the early 2000s, the firm diversified its product range, moving beyond televisions to manufacture washing machines, air conditioners, refrigerators, and other home appliances. This diversification helped reduce the company’s reliance on a single product category.

A key development occurred in 2006 when the company established its first international research facility in the United States. This marked the beginning of its global R&D strategy, aimed at developing cutting-edge products for the global market.

2010, the business officially sponsored the FIFA World Cup in South Africa, significantly boosting its international brand awareness.

In 2012, the organization made a major acquisition by purchasing Hitachi Visual Products, a Japanese TV manufacturer. This allowed the company to expand its market share in Japan and gain access to advanced technology.

In 2015, the company made another significant move by acquiring the rights to use the Sharp brand in the U.S. market. This acquisition strengthened its presence in the U.S., one of the largest consumer electronics markets in the world.

The business entered the European high-end TV market in 2016, launching its first ULED TVs, which competed with OLED TVs from leading global brands. In 2017, it acquired Toshiba’s TV division, further strengthening its global expansion strategy and gaining access to advanced Japanese technology.

In 2018, the firm’s global presence was further solidified when it officially sponsored the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, dramatically increasing its brand visibility.

In 2019, the company introduced its first TVs featuring quantum dot technology, offering customers enhanced color and contrast in their televisions.

In 2020, the organization continued to push the boundaries of technology by unveiling its first dual-screen TVs with laser projection, a creative concept that attracted attention in the industry.

In 2021, the business expanded its global reach, becoming the official sponsor of the UEFA Euro 2020 European Football Championship, boosting its profile across Europe.

In 2022, the firm continued to innovate in the TV and home appliance sectors, expanding its lineup of smart home devices and launching new ULED TV models with enhanced features.

By 2023, the company had become one of the world’s leading producers of televisions and consumer electronics. The company remained focused on innovation, expanding its global presence, and strengthening its position in the premium market segment.

Over the years, the business has grown from a small state-owned radio manufacturer to a major global player in the technology industry. Its success is largely attributed to a focus on innovation, strategic acquisitions, global expansion, and a commitment to producing high-quality products. The company has successfully transformed from a small Chinese manufacturer into a globally recognized brand that competes with major names in the consumer electronics and television industries.