Commodore Computer

Jack Tramiel came to the US after the Second World War and began repairing typewriters. In 1965, he moved to Toronto to set up Commodore International to make typewriters in conjunction with European firms.

He quickly expanded into other areas such as mechanical and electronic calculators and in 1977 created the Commodore PET computer; in 1981 the VIC-20; and, in 1982, the Commodore 64. Their line was expanded even further in 1984 with the purchase of Amiga Inc.

Despite, at one time, being the largest single supplier of computers in the world, by 1984 internal disputes and external market pressures led to financial problems. Although several successful products were produced in the next 10 years, the company declared bankruptcy in 1994. The brand name is currently owned by a Dutch company.