In May 2002, the company formed by Stanford University classmates Bill Hewlett and Dave Packard in 1939 completed its merger with Compaq Computer Corp. This, the largest technology merger in history, meant the new HP is now the second largest IT company in the World. There is hardly an office or home in the World without an HP printer, disk storage system or PC.

HP is an important company in Warrington, but prior to the merger HP's northern office was based near Manchester Airport, whilst Compaq was based in Warrington. Naturally enough in mergers such as this, the future was uncertain. Not for long though, as HP confirmed that the strong roots already formed in Warrington, would continue to grow there with the new HP.

Pete Elms, Branch Manager Manufacturing & Utilities Sales at Hewlett Packard in Warrington:

“HP is located at the Birchwood Science Park in Warrington in Kelvin Close. The majority of people employed by HP in Warrington are services based and cover a spectrum of activities from the design of complete IT systems, systems integration, right through to maintenance and delivery services. There is also a large sales presence covering HP's customers based in the North of England, together with several support functions based in Warrington.”