Xplore Technologies

In 1996, Xplore Technologies was founded in Ontario, Canada, with a focus on a specific, durable niche: rugged tablets. The company designed and manufactured mobile computing systems for people who didn't work in typical offices, such as field service personnel, factory workers, and military personnel. These devices were built to withstand demanding conditions, meeting military and hazardous location standards. The company's journey included several key financial milestones. It went public on the Toronto Stock Exchange in 1998, and later, after relocating its headquarters to Austin, Texas, Xplore listed on the NASDAQ in 2012. A significant move came in 2015 when Xplore acquired the assets of a competitor, Motion Computing, solidifying its position in the rugged PC market. By 2018, Xplore had established itself as a leading developer of rugged tablets and laptops. This success attracted the attention of a larger player. In July 2018, Zebra Technologies announced its intention to acquire Xplore for approximately $90 million. The acquisition was completed in August 2018, integrating Xplore's specialized portfolio into Zebra's broader range of enterprise mobile computing and data capture products.