Wipro, one of India’s leading multinational corporations, has an illustrious history that traces back to its humble beginnings in the mid-20th century. Incorporated on December 29, 1945, as Western India Vegetable Products Limited, Wipro has grown from a vegetable oil manufacturer to a global leader in IT services.
Early Beginnings
Wipro was established under the Indian Companies Act, VII of 1913, which has since been superseded by the Companies Act, 2013. The company was registered with the Registrar of Companies, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India, as Company No. 20800. In 1946, Wipro held its initial public offering in India, marking the beginning of its journey in the corporate world.
Transition to Consumer Care
Wipro was incorporated on December 29, 1945, as Western India Vegetable Products Limited under the Indian Companies Act, VII of 1913. Initially based in Amalner, Maharashtra, Wipro began its operations as a vegetable oil manufacturer. The company quickly diversified into manufacturing soaps and other consumer care products. This phase laid the foundation for Wipro’s expansion and diversification into various sectors.
Entry into IT Industry
The late 1970s and early 1980s marked a significant shift for Wipro under the leadership of Azim H. Premji. The company ventured into the IT industry, a move that would define its future trajectory. In 1985, Wipro began selling personal computers in India, signaling its entry into the technology market.
Global Expansion and IT Services
During the 1990s, Wipro leveraged its expertise in hardware to offer software services to clients worldwide. The 2000s saw the company scaling its IT business significantly by acquiring new clients, deepening relationships with existing customers, and acquiring capabilities in emerging technologies. Wipro’s initial public offering of American Depositary Shares (ADSs) in October 2000, listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), marked its international financial presence.
Focus on IT and Digital Transformation
In 2013, Wipro made a strategic decision to demerge its non-IT business segments to focus exclusively on IT services. This transformation allowed Wipro to hone its expertise in digital, cloud, engineering services, and cybersecurity. The company’s portfolio now includes digital strategy, customer-centric design, consulting, infrastructure services, business process services, R&D, cloud, mobility, advanced analytics, and product engineering.
Commercial Models and Global Reach
Today with over 230,000 dedicated employees (including support functions) across six continents, Wipro offers a variety of commercial models to its customers, including time and material, fixed-price, capacity-based, pay-per-use, as-a-service, and outcome-based models. These services are provided globally, leveraging Wipro’s proprietary products, platforms, partnerships, and solutions. The company’s registered office remains in Bengaluru, India, with senior management operating from key regions worldwide.
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Incorporation Date | December 29, 1945 |
| Original Name | Western India Vegetable Products Limited |
| Initial Public Offering in India | 1946 |
| Initial Public Offering in U.S. (ADSs) | October 2000, listed on NYSE |
| Registered Office | Bengaluru, Karnataka, India |
| Early Business | Vegetable oil manufacturing |
| Diversification | Soaps and consumer care products |
| Entry into IT Industry | Late 1970s and early 1980s under Azim H. Premji |
| Start of PC Sales in India | 1985 |
| Expansion into Software Services | 1990s |
| Demerger to Focus on IT | 2013 |
| Core IT Services | Digital, cloud, engineering services, cybersecurity |
| Commercial Models | Time and material, fixed-price, capacity-based, pay-per-use, as-a-service, outcome-based models |
| Global Operations | Offices in North America, Europe, UK, Australia, Latin America, Asia |
| Stock Listings | NSE and BSE in India, NYSE |
| Key Indices | Nifty, NYSE TMT Indices |
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