Summit County Council took action Monday, Sept. 11, to honor Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, which celebrated its 125th anniversary last month.
In a press release, council officials note that as one of the world’s largest tire companies, employing nearly 72,000 people and manufacturing products at 57 factories in 23 nations around the globe; Goodyear continues to be a major employer in Akron with more than 2,500 workers. The tire giant also produces and sells a wide variety of other products made from rubber, chemicals, and plastics for the transportation industry including automotive and industrial belts and hoses, molded products, and foam cushioning accessories. In addition, Goodyear provides auto repairs and services through a network of several hundred retail outlets.
“The Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company has become synonymous with Akron and Summit County and we are very proud of the tremendous impact this international conglomerate has had on not only our local economy but the automotive and transportation industry worldwide. We congratulate them on 125 years and wish them continued success in the years to come,” concluded Councilman John Schmidt (District 2) who presented the Commendation to Goodyear Director of Community Affairs and Engagement, Joni Fitch.
Founded on August 29, 1898, by Akron brothers F.A. and C.W. Seiberling, Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company began as a manufacturer of bicycle and carriage tires. F.A. borrowed $3,500 — about $126,000 today — from brother-in-law Lucius Miles to make the down payment on an old strawboard factory along the Little Cuyahoga River in East Akron for Goodyear’s first plant. Goodyear was established at the dawn of the automobile age and Akron became the “Rubber Capital of the World.” In the early 20th century, automakers built cars on Akron tires and generations of families were employed in the rubber factories. Goodyear quickly became the leader in the development, manufacturing, distribution, and sale of tires throughout the world. Today, the company continues to be an innovator in tire production and technology, now introducing a self-regenerating concept tire with artificial intelligence features that allow the tire treads to change according to the environment and climate. The technology also uses sensors to learn from driver behavior.
In 2015, Goodyear completed a $160 million corporate headquarters along Innovation Way not far from the original factory in East Akron. The Goodyear blimp, based at Wingfoot Lake, remains a symbol of local pride and most recently, atop the old Goodyear Hall on East Market Street, the iconic Goodyear sign, featuring nearly 1200 bulbs, was restored to once again light up the night skyline of Akron.
For more information, contact the Summit County Council office at 330-643-2725.
