Weird Origins

Here are some famous companies that roots are in very different pursuits then you ever would have imagined:

Nokia - Got its start as a paper and pulp mill in Finland. The company bounced around a couple of different industries before getting started in the phone business.

Samsung - Was first opened as a trading shop in Korea mainly dealing with exporting dried fish and fruit.

Wrigley's Gum - Was originally started with the goal of selling soap and baking soda.

Raytheon - Before missiles for the government, Raytheon was focused on a technology to keep your leftover food fresh in the refrigerator.

Hasbro - Before Monopoly and Scrabble, the Hasbro company was focused on textile products and school supplies.

Toyota - Prius problems aside, the Toyota company first created a more efficient way to manufacture cloth.

IBM - Got its start making meat slicing machines and punch cards if you can believe that.

Ben and Jerry's - Was originally envisioned as a bagel delivery service.

From : http://www.minyanville.com/businessmarkets/articles/companies-that-almost-weren2527t-ben-jerrys/12/11/2009/id/25767