New markets

The time had come to build. It was a Herculean task to get the Netherlands on its feet once more. In the post-war years, vice-president Frits Philips focused most of his efforts on the Company’s commercial policy in respect of professional systems, such as telecommunications. He also made a priority of labor relations, the medical service, the Housing and Real Estate department, and research. In those years of rebuilding, the Company underwent astronomical growth, with major economic and technological developments. It was in this period, too, that the foundations were laid for the international corporate structure.

In 1961 Frits Philips succeeded his brother-in-law Frans Otten as President of the company. Among other things, he oversaw further expansion in South America and Asia. Frits Philips was personally responsible for the decision, in 1965, to start activities in Taiwan – the first European company to do so. This strategic masterstroke had far-reaching consequences for the company’s further development. In addition, Frits Philips invested considerable energy in scientific research and development, focusing in particular on new products and manufacturing techniques.