The history of Hewlett-Packard in Queensferry

Hewlett-Packard (HP) was a major blue chip employer in the area of central Scotland then known as Silicon Glen. In the first part of the event, Hugh Walker will cover the history of the HP factory, how they came to Queensferry, the site’s growth over the years, the products it made and some key events up to the year 2000, when the facility employed over 2000 people.

Over refreshments there will be a unique opportunity to view and operate three generations of Telecommunication Test Sets. These then “State of the art” units were defined, designed and manufactured in Queensferry. The units are in working order (or were the last time they were switched on). Hugh and James will be on hand to discuss the equipment in detail and discuss their leading-edge design and manufacture.

The second part of the event will be a shorter talk by James Gentles, covering the run down of the facility in the period 2000-2010, the site’s re-birth as housing and how this whole story was captured in three books, a 1200 page History of HP Queensferry. Information on how to access electronic copies of the books will be provided.