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2024-04-19 23:24:38

Firestone Tire and Rubber Company

American tire company founded in 1900.
American tire company founded in 1900.
Firestone Tire and Rubber Company, founded by Harvey S. Firestone, supplied rubber tires for fire apparatus and later became a pioneer in mass-producing tires for automobiles. The company had a close relationship with Ford Motor Company and was eventually sold to Bridgestone Corporation in 1988.
1900
Founding of Firestone Tire and Rubber Company
The Firestone Tire and Rubber Company was founded in 1900, becoming a major player in the car tire industry. Known for quality and speed, Firestone has established itself as one of the best tire manufacturers since its inception.
1903
Firestone begins manufacturing its own tires
In 1903, Firestone started producing its own tires for the first time, marking a significant milestone in the company's history.
1904
Firestone develops the first mechanically-fastened, straight-sided pneumatic automobile tire
By late summer of 1904, Firestone had created the first mechanically-fastened, straight-sided pneumatic automobile tire, revolutionizing the tire industry.
1906
Firestone Delivers 2000 Sets of Tires to Ford
In 1906, Firestone delivered 2,000 sets of tires to the Ford Motor Company, marking the largest single order for tires in the auto industry at that time. This event initiated a long-lasting business partnership between the two companies.
1908
Ford Chooses Firestone for Model T
In 1908, Ford chose Firestone to supply tires for its iconic Model T. This partnership helped Firestone establish itself as a leading tire manufacturer in the early automotive industry.
1909
Firestone Begins Manufacturing Tire Rims
In 1909, Firestone started manufacturing tire rims, a significant development in the production of automotive tires. This move further solidified Firestone's position in the tire industry.
1910
Firestone Opens Akron, Ohio Factory
In 1910, Firestone established a factory in Akron, Ohio, a strategic location for the tire industry. This factory played a key role in the company's growth and expansion.
1911
First Indianapolis 500 Win on Firestone Tires
After a branch manager's suggestion to back a driver in the Indy 500 to promote Firestone's racing achievements, Harvey Firestone agrees. Subsequently, the first Indianapolis 500 victory was achieved using Firestone tires.
1918
Establishment of Firestone Tire and Rubber Company of Canada
In 1918, Firestone Tire and Rubber Company of Canada was incorporated in Hamilton, Ontario. This expansion marked the company's presence in the Canadian market, leading to the production of Canadian-made tires.
1920
Firestone's 'Ship By Truck' Movement
In 1920, Firestone's 'Ship By Truck' movement revolutionized the trucking industry by pioneering the use of trucks for shipping goods. This innovation had a lasting impact on the shipping industry.
1922-04-05
Balloon Tire Production Begins
The factory production of the industry’s first low-pressure balloon tire started on April 5, 1922. This innovation was achieved by utilizing the gum-dipping process developed in early 1920 to insulate tire cords from internal heat, providing exceptional mileage for the average motorist.
1923-10-14
Firestone Plantation Company Agreement
Harvey S. Firestone announced on October 14, 1923, the successful agreement with the Liberian Government granting the Firestone Plantation Company a 99-year lease of one million acres of land suitable for rubber cultivation.
1925
Indy 500 Won on Firestone Balloon Tires
In 1925, the Indianapolis 500 race was won by a car using Firestone balloon tires. This victory showcased the effectiveness and reliability of Firestone tires, as the speeds in the race exceeded 100 mph for the first time in its history.
1926
Opening of Firestone Plantation in Liberia
The Firestone Plantation in Liberia was opened by Firestone in 1926. The plantation workers allege that they are still trapped in poverty and coercion similar to the conditions when the plantation was first established.
1927
Henry Ford and Harvey S. Firestone select locations for new factories in Southern California
In 1927, Henry Ford and Harvey S. Firestone visited Southern California to choose sites for new factories. Ford preferred to be near the ocean and selected Long Beach, while Firestone decided on South Gate, California, where he identified 40 acres of land for his manufacturing plant.
1928
Firestone opens a manufacturing plant in South Gate, California
In 1928, Firestone opened a manufacturing plant in South Gate, California, designed by architects Curlett and Beelman. The plant expanded over the years and became a significant part of the town's growth.
1930
Introduction of Low-Pressure Pneumatic Tractor Tire
In the 1930s, Harvey Firestone introduced the first practical low-pressure pneumatic tractor tire to replace the steel wheels on early farming tractors. This innovation significantly improved the economy, traction, and comfort for farmers, leading to a widespread adoption of rubber-tired wheels.
1935
Firestone 'Put the Farm on Rubber' Campaign
In 1935, Firestone launched the 'Put the Farm on Rubber' campaign, which aimed to promote the use of rubber in agriculture. This campaign had a significant impact on the agricultural sector.
1936
Firestone opens a plant in Memphis, Tennessee
In 1936, Firestone established a plant in Memphis, Tennessee, which became the largest tire manufacturer in the company's global operations. The plant celebrated the production of 100 million tires in 1963 before closing in 1982.
1938-02-07
Death of Harvey S. Firestone
Harvey S. Firestone passed away in his sleep at his vacation home in Miami Beach on February 7, 1938.
1940-09-02
William Hoppmann Discharged from Firestone's Havana Office
On September 2, 1940, William Hoppmann, the General Manager of Firestone's Havana office, was dismissed from his position due to suspicions of being a Nazi agent.
1941-10-11
Fire at Firestone Rubber and Latex Plant in Fall River
A fire broke out at the Firestone Rubber and Latex plant in Fall River, Massachusetts on October 11, 1941, destroying 5 out of 8 buildings and causing significant damage to the rubber stockpile.
1942
Firestone Starts Producing Synthetic Rubber
In 1942, Firestone began producing synthetic rubber, a significant development during World War II to meet the increasing demand for rubber products. This move played a crucial role in supporting the war effort.
1943
Indy 500 Victory with Firestone Synthetic Rubber Tires
The Indy 500 race is won using a set of Firestone synthetic rubber tires, showcasing the effectiveness and reliability of the new synthetic rubber technology.
1948
Firestone Televues TV Program Launch
Firestone continues its innovative approach by presenting its own TV program, Firestone Televues, marking a milestone in corporate media engagement.
1950
Great American Streetcar Scandal Involving Firestone
In 1950, Firestone, along with General Motors and Standard Oil, were convicted of criminal conspiracy in the Great American streetcar scandal. The scandal involved the acquisition of streetcar systems across the United States, leading to their replacement with buses.
1951
Firestone Awarded Defense Contract for MGM-5 Corporal Missile
In 1951, Firestone was awarded the defense contract to produce the MGM-5 Corporal missile.
1955-05-31
Firestone Becomes World's Largest Rubber Producer
On May 31, 1955, Firestone achieved the milestone of becoming the world's largest rubber producer, with a production rate of one million pounds of rubber per day.
1959
Firestone Expands to 71 Plants in 19 Countries
By 1959, Firestone had expanded its operations significantly, with a total of 71 plants spread across 19 countries.
1960
Firestone Recognized in Dun’s Review
In September 1960, Firestone was acknowledged by Dun’s Review, a business magazine, as one of the top 10 best managed companies in the United States.
1961
Firestone Acquires Dayton Tire Division
In 1961, Firestone acquired the Dayton Tire division from the Dayco Corporation.
1962
Participation in the “Plan for Progress” movement
In 1962, the company joined 85 other leading companies in the “Plan for Progress” initiative, aimed at putting an end to discriminatory hiring practices.
1964
Firestone Acquires Dayton Tire
In 1964, Firestone completed the acquisition of Dayton Tire, a notable event in the tire industry that impacted the market landscape.
1965
Firestone Hits Annual Sales Record
In 1965, Firestone achieved a milestone by reaching its highest annual sales record, showcasing the company's growth and success in the market.
1970
Challenges Faced by Firestone
In 1970, Firestone encountered setbacks that posed challenges for the company, impacting its operations and reputation.
1972
Firestone's Import Concession in Kenya
In 1972, Firestone received a ten-year import concession from the Kenyan government to establish a domestic tire plant, granting the company a virtual monopoly with price and foreign exchange controls. When the concession ended in 1979, Firestone increased production to deter new entrants, leading to failed negotiations and canceled expansion.
1973-10-17
Arab Oil Embargo against the United States
In October 1973, Arab nations initiated an oil embargo against the United States to raise prices and influence U.S. support for Israel, leading to a chain of events affecting Firestone and other American tire manufacturers.
1974-08
Firestone announces withdrawal from professional motorsports
In August 1974, citing rising costs, Firestone announced its withdrawal from professional motorsports, except for Formula 5000 and Formula One. This decision was expected to significantly reduce Firestone's annual race testing budget.
1975
Firestone Emerges as Multi-Billion Dollar Enterprise
In 1975, Firestone had transformed into a multi-billion dollar, diversified, international manufacturing and merchandising enterprise with operations in 28 countries and six continents. This marked a remarkable growth and global presence for the company.
1979
John Nevin becomes president of Firestone
In late 1979, John Nevin was appointed as the president of Firestone. He implemented drastic measures to address the company's financial struggles, including closing manufacturing plants and relocating the company's headquarters.
1980
Closure of South Gate facility
In 1980, the South Gate facility of Firestone closed down following the company's sale to an offshore corporation.
1983
Radial Tire Revolution in the U.S.
In 1983, Firestone's radial tire revolution reached a milestone as all U.S.-made cars started exclusively featuring radial tires. This marked a significant shift from 1971 when radial tires only accounted for 2 percent of sales to Detroit automakers.
1988
Merger of Firestone with Bridgestone Corporation
In 1988, Firestone merged with the Bridgestone Corporation from Japan, aiming to expand their market range. This merger solidified Firestone's position in the tire and rubber industry.
1989
Harvey S. Firestone's Liberian Investment (1922-1932)
The article 'Harvey S. Firestone's Liberian Investment (1922-1932)' by Arthur J. Knoll was published in 1989 in the Liberian Studies Journal, focusing on Firestone's investments in Liberia during the specified period.
1992
Bridgestone and Firestone Joint Tire-Manufacturing Venture
Bridgestone and Firestone announce a joint tire-manufacturing venture which later leads to a successful merger into a single corporation.
1993
Bridgestone and Firestone Merger Plans
One year after the joint venture, plans are announced to merge Bridgestone and Firestone into a single corporation.
1996
Ford Explorer Rollover Problem in Arizona
In 1996, multiple state agencies in Arizona faced issues with Firestone tires installed on Ford Explorers. Firestone claimed that the tires were misused or not properly inflated after investigating the complaints.
1997
First Indy 500 win after 17-year hiatus
After not competing in any races from 1975 through 1992, Firestone wins their first Indy 500 of the modern era.
2000-08-30
Firestone's Second Big Tire Blowout
In 2000, Firestone experienced another major tire blowout incident, impacting the company's reputation and safety concerns.
2000-09-06
Statement of Joan Claybrook On Firestone Tire Defect and Ford Explorer Rollovers
Joan Claybrook made a statement regarding Firestone tire defects and Ford Explorer rollovers before the Transportation Subcommittee of the United States Senate Committee on Appropriations.
2002
100th anniversary of Firestone
Firestone celebrates its 100th anniversary. It is now part of one of the largest tire manufacturers in the world with a wide range of tires for various vehicles.
2006-06-05
Tire Industry Loses Two Giants
On June 5, 2006, the tire industry suffered a loss with the passing of two influential figures. This event marked a significant moment in the history of tire manufacturing.
2007
Launch of Firehawk Wide Oval performance tire
In 2007, the Firehawk Wide Oval performance tire was introduced and utilized on the Chevrolet SSR Indy pace car.
2009
SWCA Environmental Consultants identify historic district
In 2009, SWCA Environmental Consultants recognized the Firestone facility as a California Register of Historical Resources eligible historic district, highlighting its significance.
2010-09-23
Firestone Briefing
A briefing related to Firestone was archived on June 28, 2007, shedding light on important information about the company.
2012
Relaunch of Fuel Fighter™ tires
In 2012, the Fuel Fighter™ tires, originally marketed in the 1970s, were reintroduced with enhanced tire structure and tread design aimed at reducing fuel consumption and emissions.
2013
Rubber: An American Industrial History
The book 'Rubber: An American Industrial History' by Quentin R. Skrabec Jr. was published in 2013, providing a detailed account of the industrial history of rubber in America.
2015
Firestone's Success in Indy 500
By 2015, Firestone had equipped 66 Indy 500 winners with their tires, surpassing all other tire manufacturers in victories.
2016
Introduction of Destination line of hard-working truck tires
In 2016, the Destination line of hard-working truck tires was launched, with Destination M/T being the initial product. This line eventually became the top-selling range of products for the company.
2020-08
Demolition of Firestone Tire and Rubber Plant Building
In August 2020, the Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD) released a Notice of Preparation for the proposed demolition of the last building associated with the historic Firestone Tire and Rubber Plant, South Gate Facility.
2021-03-10
A Quick History of Firestone Tires
An article or post discussing the brief history of Firestone Tires, possibly highlighting key events or milestones in the company's past.
2024
Firestone Tires History
The history of Firestone Tires is a significant aspect of the company's legacy, showcasing its evolution and impact on the tire industry.
End of the Timeline
Firestone Tire and Rubber Company

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Firestone Tire and Rubber Company

American tire company founded in 1900.
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