Founded in Hong Kong in October 1976 by two engineers, VTech began its operations in a 2,000 square feet office and 40 staff. Sales in the first year were under US$1 million. Today, VTech has operations around the globe and approximately 30,000 employees worldwide. The Group's FY2008 annual results recorded revenue of US$1,552.0 million - and VTech is still growing strong.

VTech Group was founded on the principle of applying the latest technology to design and develop innovative products. Its three core businesses, including telecommunication products, electronic learning products and contract manufacturing services, incorporate state-of-the-art technology, innovative design and value-for-money services.

VTech launched its first product in 1978 - a portable electronic game based on a single chip microprocessor. This initiative was soon expanded into a full range of in-house designed electronic learning products that won many export and design awards. The Group has since expanded into various other product lines, with a growing reputation of product quality and value.

The Group's first electronic learning product - Lesson One (book type version), was launched in 1980 and its table top version was introduced next year, achieving tremendous success. Currently, VTech is one of the leading suppliers of electronic learning products with strong brand equity in all major markets worldwide, including North America, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Spain and the Netherlands.

In 1983, VTech introduced its first PC range Laser 100, using in-house design custom integrated circuit (ASIC) chips whereas in 1984, the Group introduced its first self-designed satellite receiver on a contract manufacturing basis for the US market.

In 1986, VTech became the largest manufacturer of electronic learning aids sold in the United States. In the same year, the Group was listed in Hong Kong in June under the name "Video Technology International (Holdings) Ltd" by way of introduction. In 1990, it was privatised.

To facilitate business expansion, VTech established its first manufacturing facilities in mainland China in 1988. Currently, the Group has three manufacturing sites in mainland China, two located in Dongguan and one located in Qingyuan. All are situated in Guangdong province.

In 1991, with experience gained in telecommunications and radio frequency technology, VTech launched the world's first fully digital 900MHz cordless phone to the US market. Since then, the Group has introduced several generations of 900MHz cordless phones, each incorporating more advanced technology, better quality and competitive prices - establishing VTech as a leading provider of high frequency cordless phones in North America.

As a technology driven company, VTech put much emphasis on research and development to maintain its leadership position in the market. In 1988, VTech established a R&D centre in Vancouver, Canada. In the same year, the Group became one of the first companies to establish R&D facilities in mainland China, tapping the vast resources of Chinese engineering talents. Today, VTech employs approximately 1,300 R&D professionals in R&D centres in Canada, Hong Kong SAR and mainland China.

In 1991, the Group was renamed "VTech Holdings Ltd" and obtained a primary listing on the London Stock Exchange. In 1992, VTech re-listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, establishing a dual primary listing with London.

To cope with the expansion of the telecommunication products business, in 1997, VTech opened its second manufacturing facilities in mainland China.

In 1999, VTech completed the development of the 2.4GHz global cordless phone platform and in the year 2000, the Group launched its first 2.4GHz cordless phone in the United States.

To further strengthen VTech's strategic position in the new millennium, the Group acquired Lucent's consumer phone business and licensed the AT&T brand on wireline telephones and accessories in the United States and Canada in 2000. These transactions make VTech become one of the world's largest suppliers of cordless telephones, allowing an expanded product range to be sold under the "VTech" and the "AT&T" brands.

In 2002, VTech launched a new corporate identity as part of the strategy to strengthen marketing. In August, the Group launched the world's first 5.8GHz cordless phone in the United States.

In 2003, VTech delivered the world's most advanced 5.8GHz cordless phone handset with full colour LCD display. The Group has also begun to enter the booming China market with its electronic learning products.

In 2004, VTech launched V.Smile TV Learning System, an educational video game platform for children aged 3 to 7. It turned out to be one of the most successful ELPs in VTech's history.

In early 2005, V.Smile won a number of top industry awards, including the "Best Overall Toy of the Year" and the "Best Educational Toy of the Year" awards in the United States, the "Toy Innovations Award 2005 - Learning Category" in Germany and the "Electronic Learning Toy of the Year" award in the United Kingdom. In November, VTech's third manufacturing facilities in mainland China, which is located in Qingyuan city, northern Guangdong province commenced operations. The plant is specialised in supplying the plastics needs for the Group's telecommunication products business.

In 2006, VTech is celebrating its 30th anniversary. In June, the Group announced its annual results for the year ended 31st March 2006, reporting a record high profit attributable to shareholders.

Through the continuous dedication to innovation and technology, VTech has been a pioneer in both telecommunication and electronic learning products industries over the past three decades. Going forward, the Group will continue to focus on its core businesses and develop more high quality and innovative products for its customers.