Manpower is founded in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S., in 1948 by attorneys Elmer Winter and Aaron Scheinfeld. Manpower began with an idea — Winter and Scheinfeld needed a typist to work on a deadline project but were unable to source a substitute on a temporary basis. This led them to ask other businesses how they coped with staffing emergencies — none had a satisfactory answer. Winter and Scheinfeld concluded that there was a market for a temporary help agency — and Manpower was born.
1952
US Expansion
Manpower expands its operations in the United States to include locations in Minneapolis, Cleveland, Cincinnati, New York, Pittsburgh and Boston.
1953
Manpower Foundation Launches in the US
Manpower launches the Manpower Foundation, which is dedicated to supporting job training and education initiatives in the U.S., and is still active today as the ManpowerGroup Foundation. To make a grant request to the ManpowerGroup Foundation, click here.
1954
First Franchise Opens
Manpower continues to expand by offering franchise opportunities in addition to company-owned branch offices.
1956
First International Offices Open
Manpower becomes an international company, opening offices in Montreal and Toronto.
UK Expansion
Manpower expands into Europe by establishing operations in the U.K. ManpowerGroup now has offices in 29 countries in Northern Europe: Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine and the U.K.
1957
France Expansion
Manpower establishes operations in France, which has grown to become the company's largest international market. Today, ManpowerGroup’s Southern Europe Region includes operations in France, Greece, Guadeloupe, Israel, Italy, Martinique, Monaco, Morocco, New Caledonia, Portugal, Réunion, Turkey and Tunisia.
1958
Salespower Created
Salespower, a division of Manpower, is established in Chicago under Aaron Scheinfeld. Salespower provides salesmen, demonstrators, telephone merchandisers, comparison shoppers, product samplers, survey takers and interviewers.
1960
Associates Program Established
Manpower’s Associates Program allows for an existing service business to open a Manpower branch office in conjunction with the existing business, and over time build up to a full-fledged franchise operation.
1962
MEOS Launches in the US & Canada
Manpower launches the Manpower Employment Outlook Survey, a quarterly forecast of employment intentions across regions and sectors, in the United States and Canada.
1963
“White Glove Girl” Campaign Introduced
During a time when women were uncommon in the workplace, Manpower introduces its “White Glove Girl” marketing campaign, which provides women with a bridge to employment.
South America Expansion
In 1963, Manpower begins operations in South America, opening an office in Chile. Today, ManpowerGroup has operations in 10 South American countries: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela.
1964
Youthpower Established
In an effort to find high school and college students summer jobs, Manpower starts Youthpower, a non-profit staffing service for America’s youth, in which student volunteers work with local companies to find jobs for other students. In 1966, Manpower receives a certificate of appreciation for the program from President Lyndon Johnson.
Asia Expansion
Manpower enters the Asia Pacific region by establishing offices in Hong Kong. Today, ManpowerGroup has operations in 12 Asia Pacific countries and territories: Australia, China (PRC), Hong Kong, India, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan and Thailand.
1967
Manpower Stock is Publicly Traded on the NYSE
Manpower becomes a public company with an initial public offering on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the ticker symbol: MAN.
1968
Manpower Technical Established
Manpower recognizes a demand for temporary employees in fields outside of the traditional office, clerical and industrial arenas. A new division, Manpower Technical, is established to specialize in areas such as engineering, drafting and entry-level IT staffing. This represents Manpower’s launch into the business of staffing degreed professionals.
1969
Central America Expansion
Manpower establishes its Central American operations in Mexico. Today, ManpowerGroup operates in Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua and Panama.
“Conscience of Manpower” Philosophy Introduced
Company co-founder Elmer Winter introduces the “Conscience of Manpower,” a corporate philosophy that recognizes the company’s people as its greatest asset and encourages equal treatment.
1973
Manpower Moves Into New International Headquarters
After 25 years of business, Manpower moves international headquarters to a suburb of Milwaukee. The company was located at this facility until September 2007, when the company moved to downtown Milwaukee in a new consolidated headquarters.
1974
Revenue Exceeds 50% From Its Offices Outside the US
In fiscal 1974, Manpower for the first time derives more than 50% of its revenues and net earnings from offices outside the United States.
1976
Parker Pen Company Acquires Manpower
Elmer Winter retires and sells Manpower to the Parker Pen Company in Janesville, Wisconsin. Manpower eventually emerged independent of Parker Pen in 1986.
Mitchell Fromstein Named President and CEO
Upon Elmer Winter’s retirement, Mitchell Fromstein joins Manpower as President and CEO. He will serve in this capacity for the next 23 years.
Predictable Performance System Introduced
Manpower’s proprietary process of interviewing, testing and training workers, and matching them to jobs for which they are well suited, is formed into a comprehensive system named the Predictable Performance System. This system later becomes the basis for Manpower’s ISO 9000 quality program.
1982
Skillware® Training Software Introduced
Seeing the need to train workers on new office automation systems and software, Manpower develops and introduces Skillware. Today, Manpower has trained over 7 million people worldwide using Skillware, including our temporary and staff employees, as well as the employees of more than 75 of the Fortune 100 companies.
1985
1000 Offices Worldwide
Manpower surpasses 1000 offices worldwide.
1986
Manpower Emerges Independent of Parker Pen
Manpower emerges independent of the Parker Pen Company, and Manpower Inc. shares are listed and traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol: MAN.
1987
Ultradex™ Introduced
After more than three years in development, Manpower introduces Ultradex™, a validated battery of tests, which is still the only system of tests in the employment services industry designed to determine an applicant’s quality work ethic, attention to detail, ability to follow verbal and written instructions, speed and dexterity, and skills and abilities in performing job tasks related to industrial assignments. These tests assure that Manpower temporary employees will enjoy their jobs and have the right skills to be successful.
Brook Street Bureau Acquired by Manpower
Manpower acquires Brook Street Bureau, a U.K. firm with a focus on the supply of permanent, temporary and contract staff to office, secretarial and light industrial positions. This acquisition represents Manpower’s launch into the business of permanent staffing.
Worldwide Sales Surpass $1 billion
Manpower Inc. worldwide sales surpass $1 billion.
Blue Arrow PLC Acquires Manpower
Blue Arrow PLC, Britain’s largest employment services company, acquires Manpower, a company seven times its size.
1991
Manpower Emerges Independent of Blue Arrow
Mitchell Fromstein, along with additional investors, reorganizes and re-establishes Manpower independent of Blue Arrow PLC.
1994
2000 Offices Worldwide and Sales Surpass $5 billion
Manpower continues to expand its global footprint, with over 2000 offices worldwide and sales of more than $5 billion.
L’Institut Manpower Launched by Manpower France
France launches L’Institut Manpower, which brings together sociologists, economists, business leaders, independent labor market experts and thought leaders to discuss changes in the world of work. The institute develops and presents studies to anticipate, comprehend and explain labor market and employment developments and their stakes.
1995
Outsourcing Solutions Offered to Manpower Clients
Responding to client demand, Manpower begins to offer HR and process management outsourcing services on a limited basis. This was expanded to a service line across countries in 2003, and became a formal business unit, Manpower Business Solutions, in 2004.
1996
TechTrack™ Launches
To help IT contractors gain new skills in the rapidly changing world of technology, Manpower creates TechTrack™, computer-based training for IT professionals. TechTrack™ also helps Manpower maintain a highly qualified pool of candidates for IT assignments.
Operations Expanded In More Than 40 Countries
Manpower Inc. has operations in more than 40 countries.
1998
World Cup Football (Soccer) Tournament in France Sponsored by Manpower
As a sponsor/supplier of the 1998 World Cup football (soccer) tournament in France, Manpower hires and trains people for every World Cup-related job, from the site managers who have overall responsibility for operations at each World Cup venue to the more than 12,000 volunteers.
Global Learning Center Launched
Manpower creates the Global Learning Center (GLC) to deliver computer-based training via the Internet to its global workforce. An ever-expanding library of administrative and computer training courses is available online to Manpower temporary employees and contractors in nine languages through the GLC, which provides them with greater ability to improve their skills and advance their careers.
3000 Offices, 50 Countries and Sales of More Than $10 billion
The Manpower network continues to expand, with the company adding 1000 offices and doubling its sales in only four years. At this time, the company has a presence in 50 countries around the world.
1999
Jeff Joerres Named CEO; Mitchell Fromstein Retires and John Walter Named Chairman
Mitchell Fromstein retires as president, CEO and chairman of the board of directors. Fromstein is named chairman emeritus, Jeffrey Joerres is named president and CEO, a promotion from his previous position as senior vice president of European Operations and Global Account Management and Development. John Walter, retired president and COO of AT&T, is named non-executive chairman of the board.
Manpower Professional Brand is Launched in the U.S. and Canada
The former Manpower Technical division is rebranded within the U.S. and Canada as Manpower Professional to reflect the expanded range of professional staffing services provided to customers in IT, engineering, telecommunications, finance, scientific and other professional areas.
TechReach™ Launches in the US
Manpower launches TechReach in cities across the U.S., which is a program that provides underemployed people with intensive training, technical certification, continuous skill upgrades, mentoring and positions with employers within their community.
2000
Elan Group, Ltd. Acquired by Manpower
Manpower acquires Elan Group, Ltd., one of the largest independent IT staffing firms in Europe, and plans to merge its IT staffing operations across Europe under the Elan brand. This merger will create a dynamic force for pan-European leadership in the IT staffing industry.
China Office Opens in Shanghai
Manpower establishes a first-of-its-kind international partnership office with the Chinese government to develop human resources strategies and infrastructure to support the nation’s rapidly expanding workforce.
2001
Jeff Joerres Named Chairman of the Board
Jeffrey A. Joerres, president and CEO of Manpower Inc., is given the additional title of chairman of the board at the annual shareholder meeting on May 1. John Walter, who was non-executive chairman since April of 1999, remains on the Manpower Inc. board of directors.
Jefferson Wells International Acquired by Manpower
Manpower acquires Jefferson Wells International, Inc., a rapidly growing professional services provider of internal audit, accounting, technology and tax services, for $174 million in July of 2001. The firm is based in Milwaukee and has offices throughout the U.S. and Canada.
2003
4000 Offices Worldwide
Manpower’s network expands to more than 4000 offices around the world.
Global Expansion of Permanent Placement Services Begins
Labor market deregulation around the world allows Manpower to expand its permanent placement service offering globally.
2004
Right Management Consultants Acquired by Manpower
Manpower acquires Right Management, the world’s largest career transition and organizational consulting firm, for approximately $488 million in January of 2004. The firm is headquartered in Philadelphia and serves clients through a global network of 300 service locations in 35 countries and via the Internet.
Manpower Foundation Established by Manpower Mexico
Manpower Mexico launches the Manpower Foundation to support programs aimed to help improve employability.
Olympic Games in Athens Staffed by Manpower Greece
Manpower Greece provides workers for many areas of the Olympic Games in Athens, experiencing record revenues and placements for the year.
2005
Manpower India Acquires Three Divisions of ABC Consultants
Manpower India’s acquisition of three divisions of ABC Consultants, the nation’s leading professional executive recruitment firm, doubles Manpower’s presence in India and emerges as the clear market leader for permanent placement services.
Worldwide Sales Surpass $15 billion
Manpower Inc. worldwide sales surpass $15 billion.
2006
Manpower Launches its New Brand Identity Logo
For the first time in Manpower’s 58-year history, the company undertakes a global rebranding, emerging as a leader in the employment services industry and an expert in what’s now and what’s next in the world of work.
2007
Manpower Moves into New World Headquarters
In September 2007, Manpower moved to a new consolidated headquarters in downtown Milwaukee. About 900 employees are located at the new facility.
2008
Middle East Expansion
In January 2008, Manpower acquires Clarendon Parker Middle East, making Manpower Middle East the clear market leader for employment services in the region, with operations in United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. To date, Manpower has operations in 80 countries and territories.
Vitae and CRI Acquired by Manpower
In March 2008, Manpower acquires Vitae, a leading professional placement firm with 10 locations in the Netherlands, and CRI, a leading recruitment process outsourcing service provider headquartered in Los Angeles.
60th Anniversary Celebration
In November 2008, Manpower celebrates six decades of helping organizations and individuals win in the world of work. Since 1948, Manpower has grown into a $22 billion global employment services corporation under the stewardship of just three chief executives — co-founder Elmer Winter, Mitchell Fromstein and current CEO Jeff Joerres.
2009
Vietnam Operation - Manpower is the First Foreign-Invested Employment Services Company to Receive License in Vietnam
In February 2009, Manpower becomes the first 100 percent foreign-invested employment services company to do business in Vietnam. With the addition of its Vietnamese operation, Manpower now has more than 3900 offices worldwide.
Death of Elmer Winter
On October 22, 2009, Manpower co-founder and past president Elmer Winter passes away at the age of 97. Winter took tremendous pride in watching the small business he co-founded in 1948 grow into a $22 billion workforce solutions company with offices in 80 countries.
Manpower Inc. Delivers Largest and Most Complex RPO Program in the World
Manpower Inc. announces that the Australian Defence Force (ADF) selected Manpower to lead its outcome-based recruiting services program. Delivering the largest and most complex Recruitment Process Outsourcing (RPO) program in the world, Manpower manages ADF's complete recruitment-process life cycle as a seamless extension of the company's human resources department.
2010
COMSYS IT Partners Inc. Acquired by Manpower
In April 2010, COMSYS IT Partners Inc. become part of Manpower Inc., complementing the substantial existing professional staffing and solutions capabilities of Manpower Professional.
2011
The Human Age is Identified
Manpower Inc. announces the dawn of a new world era: the Human Age. In this transformational new world era, human potential becomes the major agent of economic growth and access to talent replaces access to capital as the key competitive differentiator for organizations.
Manpower Inc. named one of World’s Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere Institute and Fortune’s Most Admired Company
Manpower Inc. is the only company in its industry to be named one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere for its proven commitment to ethical business practices. Manpower is also recognized as an industry leader by Fortune magazine, which named the company in first place on its 2011 list of the Most Admired Companies in the temporary help sector.
Ethisphere Institute and Fortune
Manpower Inc. Named One of World’s Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere Institute and Fortune’s Most Admired Company
ManpowerGroup - The World’s First Innovative Workforce Solutions Company Evolves From Manpower Inc.
Manpower Inc. becomes ManpowerGroup, evolving to reflect the new challenges and complexity brought by the Human Age. To reflect this new reality and better articulate its family of brands and suite of solutions, ManpowerGroup now includes: Manpower (the global leader in contingent and permanent recruitment and the core of ManpowerGroup’s business), Experis (a combined, consolidated, professional resourcing business to be rolled out over time), Right Management (the world’s largest outplacement company and world leader in talent and career management workforce solutions) and ManpowerGroup Solutions (providing clients with human resources and outsourcing services, and outcome-based workforce initiatives).
Experis Launches
Three of the leading professional talent and solutions organizations in North America announce their brand evolution, logo change and name change to Experis, delivering in-demand talent for mission-critical positions within IT, finance and engineering.
ManpowerGroup Acquires Proservia
Proservia joined ManpowerGroup to lead the IT outsourcing business in France
2012
Ethisphere Institute—ManpowerGroup Named One of World’s Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere Institute for Second Consecutive Year
ManpowerGroup is recognized for its proven commitment to ethical leadership, compliance, corporate social responsibility and business practices at large. ManpowerGroup is once again the only company in its industry named one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies.
G20 Session—ManpowerGroup Presents Top Workforce Priorities to Sustain Global Economy at G20 Session
Jeff Joerres, ManpowerGroup chairman and CEO, and co-chair of the B20 Task Force on Employment, delivers five global scalable priorities for boosting and sustaining employment worldwide at the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Mexico. The recommendations are: Commit to strategic infrastructure investments; Implement structural labor market reforms and policies; Facilitate the growth of small and medium enterprises and innovative business models; Improve collaboration between business and educational institutions; Scale internships and apprenticeships.
MEOS Expands—Manpower Employment Outlook Survey Expands to 42 Countries and Territories
ManpowerGroup polls the labor market in Finland for the first time in Q4 2012, expanding the longest running, most extensive, forward-looking employment survey in the world. The survey now polls over 65,000 employers in 42 countries and territories worldwide.
2014
Jonas Prising to serve as the company's fourth chief executive officer (CEO) effective May 1, 2014,
Jonas has been nominated to join the board of directors. Prising is currently ManpowerGroup president and executive vice president for the Americas and Southern Europe. Joerres will assume the role of executive chairman upon Prising's appointment.
2015
ManpowerGroup Acquires Atos
ManpowerGroup's French subsidiary Proservia further diversifies IT portfolio through acquisition of Atos desk -side and end-user support services.
ManpowerGroup Acquires Greythorn
ManpowerGroup expands Asian capabilities in the Technology and Finance sectors with the acquisition of Greythorn, a leading professional services and recruitment firm specializing in technology and finance. Greythorn becomes a wholly owned subsidiary of ManpowerGroup Australia, operating under the Experis brand.
ManpowerGroup Acquires 7S Group in Germany
ManpowerGroup enhances its workforce solutions capabilities in the German market, further broadening its range of solutions in specialist sectors, consulting and outsourcing services.
ManpowerGroup Executive Chairman Jeffrey A. Joerres Retires After 22 Years
Jeffrey A. Joerres retires as Executive Chairman from the Board of Directors, effective December 30, 2015. Mr. Joerres is succeeded by ManpowerGroup's CEO Jonas Prising who takes on the additional position of Chairman of the Board.
2016
Manpower Introduces MyPath
MyPath includes coaching, assessment and upskilling opportunities and no cost college degree courses for associates with ambitions to move on and move up.
ManpowerGroup Launches new Sustainability Plan and Purpose
ManpowerGroup is committed to creating meaningful, sustainable employment by getting people Ready for Work, helping them stay relevant by Skilling Up and improving diversity in Integrated and Inclusive workplaces.Meaningful and Sustainable Employment Has the Power to Change the World
2017
ManpowerGroup Named a World’s Most Ethical Company by Ethisphere and a World’s Most Admired Company by Fortune Magazine
For the seventh consecutive year ManpowerGroup was named as a World's Most Ethical Company by the Ethisphere Institute, a global leader in defining ethical business practices.ManpowerGroup has also been named one of Fortune Magazine's World's Most Admired Companies for the 14th year in a row – one of just 40 companies to be named to both lists in 2017.
