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.

In 1903, Firestone started producing its own tires for the first time, marking a significant milestone in the company's history.

By late summer of 1904, Firestone had created the first mechanically-fastened, straight-sided pneumatic automobile tire, revolutionizing the tire industry.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Harvey S. Firestone passed away in his sleep at his vacation home in Miami Beach on February 7, 1938.

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.

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.

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.

In 1951, Firestone was awarded the defense contract to produce the MGM-5 Corporal missile.

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.

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.

In 1961, Firestone acquired the Dayton Tire division from the Dayco Corporation.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

In 1980, the South Gate facility of Firestone closed down following the company's sale to an offshore corporation.

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.

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.

Bridgestone and Firestone announce a joint tire-manufacturing venture which later leads to a successful merger into a single corporation.

One year after the joint venture, plans are announced to merge Bridgestone and Firestone into a single corporation.

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.

After not competing in any races from 1975 through 1992, Firestone wins their first Indy 500 of the modern era.

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.

In 2009, SWCA Environmental Consultants recognized the Firestone facility as a California Register of Historical Resources eligible historic district, highlighting its significance.

By 2015, Firestone had equipped 66 Indy 500 winners with their tires, surpassing all other tire manufacturers in victories.

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.

The history of Firestone Tires is a significant aspect of the company's legacy, showcasing its evolution and impact on the tire industry.