Parker Hannifin (NYSE: PH) is a Fortune 500 company that specializes in motion and control technologies. Headquartered in the Cleveland, Ohio area, Parker was founded in 1917 and has been publicly traded since December 9, 1964. Parker has grown to over 58,000 employees globally, located in 50 countries with 309 manufacturing locations. Aerospace, Climate Control, Electromechanical, Fluid & Gas Handling, and Hydraulics are just a handful of industries in which you can find their products.
On March 13, 1917, the Parker Hannifin company was founded by Arthur Parker in Cleveland, Ohio. Parker Hannifin started by building pneumatic brake systems for trucks, trains, buses and industrial machinery, as well as leak-free fittings for the pioneers of aviation. Over the past century, Parker’s impressive achievements have brought about countless technology improvements that have supported war efforts, the exploration of space and the depths of the Earth. Throughout the company’s 100-year history, they have had over 8,000 patents granted.
Mr. Arthur Parker built this company on a solid foundation of integrity and a dedication to “fair dealings”. Parker Hannifin understands that acting ethically is not just a fundamental part of their heritage but it’s the right thing to do for good business. They have developed a code called the Global Code of Business Conduct. The Code serves as a guide for employees to make sure their behaviors, decisions, and actions are consistent with the company’s values, no matter where in the world they operate.
Parker Hannifin has not just built a company around a code of ethical behavior, but sustainability as well. They measure the success of its sustainability efforts by the company’s impact on the lives of the people it touches. As one might expect, sustainability is a complex concept. They found it both a challenging and meaningful opportunity to determine the ideal approach for applying sustainable practices for its operations across the globe. The ambition of having a sustainable business has been central to the company’s identity since its inception a century ago.
Parker has broken down their commitment to sustainability into three key areas: people, planet, and products. They have always strived to develop products that help customers increase their productivity and to create a positive impact on employees and local communities. More specifically, Parker’s focus on people is defined as,“Creating a culture in which all perspectives are embraced and the safety of every person is prioritized above all else.” The second area, Planet, Parker says, “We must act responsibly with the planet’s natural resources and help protect the environment for future generations.” And the company’s global product line gives Parker Hannifin the means to fulfill its commitment to sustainability across the globe.
Parker Hannifin has built their success on a foundation of strong core values: honesty, respect, fairness and consideration. These values and their Code of Conduct has made them a highly respected leader in their industry. For this commitment, we are honored to recognize Parker Hannifin as a Shining Light Company!