Carlisle Tires

A Century of Innovation and Resilience

Carlisle Tires, now primarily known under the Carlstar Group, has a rich history spanning over a century, marked by innovation, adaptation, and a commitment to quality. From its humble beginnings in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, to its current status as a global leader in specialty tires and wheels, the company’s journey reflects the evolution of the tire industry and the broader industrial landscape. This article traces the origins, challenges, and milestones of Carlisle Tires, highlighting its enduring legacy and contributions to various markets.

Founding and Early Years (1917–1929)

The story of Carlisle Tires begins in 1917 when Charles S. Moomy founded the Carlisle Tire and Rubber Company in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. Initially, the company focused on producing bicycle inner tubes, which were sold to Montgomery Ward and Company, a major retailer at the time. With a modest workforce of about 30 employees, the company quickly expanded its product line to include automobile inner tubes, capitalizing on the growing automotive industry in the early 20th century. This period of growth was fueled by increasing demand for rubber products as automobiles became more common.

By the 1920s, Carlisle had established itself as a reliable supplier, benefiting from the economic prosperity of the era. The company’s early success was rooted in its ability to meet the needs of a rapidly modernizing society, where bicycles and automobiles were transforming transportation. However, this growth was abruptly challenged by the Stock Market Crash of 1929 and the onset of the Great Depression.

The Great Depression and Corporate Reorganization (1929–1943)

The Great Depression brought significant challenges for Carlisle Tire and Rubber. Like many businesses, the company faced financial difficulties as demand plummeted and the price of natural rubber dropped to a historic low of three cents per pound. To survive, Carlisle took drastic measures, including offering to pay half of Montgomery Ward’s excise taxes on inner tubes. Despite these efforts, by the 1930s, Charles Moomy was forced to relinquish his shares to the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia to avoid bankruptcy, leaving the bank as the controlling shareholder.

The early 1940s brought further changes with the onset of World War II. The war disrupted the global supply chain, particularly the availability of natural rubber from the East Indies, which was blockaded by Japanese forces. This forced Carlisle, like other tire manufacturers, to shift to synthetic rubber production. In 1943, the Pharis Tire and Rubber Company acquired Carlisle for $330,000, integrating it into its operations to meet wartime demand for tires. By 1949, Pharis liquidated Carlisle, distributing its stock to Pharis shareholders, and the company was officially renamed Carlisle Corporation.

Post-War Expansion and Diversification (1950s–1980s)

The post-war era marked a period of significant growth and diversification for Carlisle. In the 1950s, the company began manufacturing specialty tires for agricultural and construction industries, expanding beyond its original focus on inner tubes. In 1954, the Rotary Lift Company became the primary shareholder, providing additional resources for growth. By 1960, Carlisle became a publicly traded company listed on the stock exchange under the ticker CSL, signaling its growing prominence.

The 1960s and 1970s saw Carlisle diversify into new industries, including aerospace, where it supplied products to major manufacturers, and later into construction materials, such as roofing and waterproofing products. By 1972, the company expanded internationally, marking its first venture into Europe, and net sales exceeded $100 million for the first time. Despite economic challenges, including a recession in the mid-1970s, Carlisle’s strategic acquisitions and focus on niche markets helped it achieve Fortune 500 status in 1985 with sales of $527 million. In 1986, the company restructured into a holding company, renaming itself Carlisle Companies Incorporated, reflecting its evolution into a diversified industrial conglomerate.

Global Expansion and the Rise of Carlisle Tire & Wheel (1990s–2000s)

The 1990s were a pivotal decade for Carlisle’s tire business. The company acquired several wheel manufacturers, expanding its product offerings and officially becoming the Carlisle Tire & Wheel Company. Key acquisitions included manufacturing sites in Aiken, South Carolina; Edwardsville, Kansas; Ontario, California; and Grand Prairie, Texas. In 1994, Carlisle entered the Asia-Pacific market by acquiring a tire factory in Buji, China, followed by a second facility in Meizhou, China, in 2007. These moves positioned Carlisle as a global player in the specialty tire market.

During this period, Carlisle expanded its product portfolio to include tires and wheels for lawn and garden equipment, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), utility vehicles (UTVs), trailers, and agricultural and industrial applications. The company also entered the industrial belt industry in 2001, acquiring Dayco’s industrial belt division, which included facilities in Missouri and Ohio. By 2010, Carlisle opened a 670,000-square-foot distribution center in McDonough, Georgia, and a flagship manufacturing facility in Jackson, Tennessee, further solidifying its production capacity.

However, the Carlisle Tire & Wheel plant in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, faced challenges. In 2009, the company announced the closure of the North College Street facility, consolidating operations with plants in Georgia and China into the new Jackson, Tennessee, facility. This closure affected approximately 340 employees and marked the end of tire manufacturing at the company’s original site, though Carlisle Companies continued to operate its Construction Materials division in Carlisle.

Transition to The Carlstar Group (2011–Present)

In 2011, Carlisle consolidated its tire, wheel, and belt operations into Carlisle Transportation Products. On December 31, 2013, American Industrial Partners (AIP) acquired this division, forming The Carlstar Group LLC, headquartered in Franklin, Tennessee. The Carlstar Group became a leading producer of specialty tires and wheels for agriculture, construction, industrial, outdoor power equipment, powersports, and trailers, with brands like Carlisle, ITP, Marathon, Cragar, Black Rock, and Unique. The group operates 22 facilities across five countries and employs over 4,300 associates, maintaining a focus on quality and innovation.

In 2019, The Carlstar Group announced a brand transition, rebranding Carlisle tires as Carlstar tires to align the product name with the company’s identity. This rebranding was completed by 2023, with CEO Jacob Thomas emphasizing that while the sidewall branding changed, the quality, facilities, and processes remained unchanged. On February 29, 2024, Titan International acquired The Carlstar Group for approximately $296 million, further integrating it into a larger portfolio that includes Goodyear Farm Tires. The CARLISLE trademark remains under license by Titan International, Inc.

Modern Innovations and Market Presence

The Carlstar Group is recognized for its comprehensive product portfolio, serving both original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and aftermarket customers. Popular products include the Carlisle Radial Trail RH and HD tires, known for their durability and performance in trailer applications, and specialty tires like the Mud Wolf for ATVs and the Trac Chief for skid steers. The company’s tires are engineered with advanced technologies, such as DuraTrail for enhanced strength and heat-resistant designs to meet Department of Transportation (DOT) standards. Carlisle tires are also the official tire of the American Bass Anglers Tour, trusted for towing equipment over 35,000 miles annually.

The Carlstar Group maintains manufacturing facilities in the United States, including a significant investment in its Jackson, Tennessee, plant, where some tires, such as the Radial Trail HD, are produced with “Made in the USA” markings. However, the company also operates facilities in China and other countries to meet global demand. Its European operations, coordinated from Budapest, Hungary, serve a wide range of markets with a 4,000-square-meter warehouse in Páty.

Challenges and Reputation

Despite its successes, Carlisle Tires has faced criticism, particularly regarding the quality of some trailer tires manufactured in China. Online forums have reported issues with weather cracking and blowouts, though these concerns are often anecdotal and not universal. The company’s Radial Trail HD series has generally received positive feedback for its performance and durability, particularly for highway and mixed-use hauling. Carlisle’s commitment to exceeding DOT standards, including extended endurance testing, underscores its focus on quality control.

Legacy and Future Outlook

From its origins as a small inner tube manufacturer to its current role as a global leader in specialty tires and wheels, Carlisle Tires (now Carlstar) has demonstrated resilience and adaptability. The company’s ability to navigate economic crises, wars, and industry shifts while expanding into new markets and technologies is a testament to its enduring legacy. With a focus on innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction, The Carlstar Group continues to drive progress in the specialty tire industry, serving diverse applications from agriculture to powersports.

As part of Titan International, Carlstar is well-positioned to leverage its heritage and expertise to meet the evolving needs of its customers. Whether towing a trailer, navigating rugged terrain, or maintaining a golf course, Carlstar tires remain a trusted choice for those who demand performance and reliability. The story of Carlisle Tires is one of perseverance and ingenuity, ensuring its place in the annals of industrial history for years to come.