Cooper Tires

A Century of American Innovation

Cooper Tire & Rubber Company, a name synonymous with quality and durability in the tire industry, boasts a rich history that spans over a century. From its humble beginnings in Akron, Ohio, to its status as a global leader in tire manufacturing, Cooper’s journey reflects American ingenuity, resilience, and a commitment to excellence. This article traces the evolution of Cooper Tires, highlighting key milestones, innovations, and its enduring legacy.

The Early Years: Foundations in Akron (1914–1930)

The story of Cooper Tires begins in 1914 when brothers-in-law John F. Schaefer and Claude E. Hart purchased the M and M Manufacturing Company in Akron, Ohio, a hub of early 20th-century tire production. Initially, the company focused on producing tire patches, tire cement, and repair kits to meet the growing needs of the burgeoning automobile industry. At the time, tire quality was inconsistent, and rebuilt tires were in high demand. In 1915, Schaefer and Hart expanded their operations by acquiring The Giant Tire & Rubber Company, a tire-rebuilding business, also based in Akron.

In 1917, the business relocated to Findlay, Ohio, to a site at the intersection of Lima and Western avenues, which remains Cooper’s headquarters to this day. This move marked a significant step in scaling operations. In 1919, Cincinnati auto-parts dealer Ira J. Cooper entered the scene, forming The Cooper Corporation adjacent to the Findlay facility to manufacture new tires. Ira J. Cooper’s vision and business acumen would later shape the company’s ethos, encapsulated in the 1926 “Cooper Creed,” which emphasized “good merchandise, fair play, and a square deal.”

The pivotal moment came in 1930 when The Cooper Corporation, M and M Manufacturing, and The Falls Rubber Company of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, merged to form The Master Tire and Rubber Company. This consolidation laid the groundwork for the modern Cooper Tire & Rubber Company, which officially adopted its current name in 1946.

World War II and Post-War Growth (1940s–1960s)

During World War II, operating as Master Tire and Rubber, Cooper contributed significantly to the Allied effort. The company produced a range of military equipment, including pontoons, landing boats, waterproof bags, inflatable barges, life jackets, tank decoys, and tires. In recognition of its contributions, the U.S. government awarded Cooper the Army-Navy ‘E’ Award for excellence in 1945.

Following the war, Cooper Tire & Rubber Company underwent a transformation under the leadership of the Brewer family. W.B. Brewer, along with his sons Wayne, Edward, and Robert, steered the company through a period of significant growth. In 1960, W.B. Brewer took Cooper public, listing it on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “CTB” (the “B” standing for Brewer). This move provided the capital needed for expansion and solidified Cooper’s position in the industry. The Brewer family’s hands-on leadership fostered a culture of trust and loyalty among workers, setting a foundation for long-term success.

Innovation and Expansion (1970s–1990s)

The 1970s and 1980s were transformative decades for Cooper. The company invested heavily in research and development, completing a technical center in Auburn, Indiana, in 1984 for tire design, testing, and engineering. By 1973, Cooper had developed its own radial tire manufacturing equipment, and in 1974, it began full-scale production of steel-belted radial passenger tires at its Findlay and Texarkana, Arkansas, plants. The Texarkana facility set a production record in 1981, churning out over five million tires annually.

Cooper’s focus on the replacement tire market allowed it to carve out a niche within a competitive industry dominated by giants like Michelin, Goodyear, and Bridgestone. By 1983, Cooper’s growth earned it a spot among the Fortune 500, a testament to its status as one of America’s largest industrial companies. In 1991, the company surpassed $1 billion in annual sales, a milestone that underscored its expanding market presence.

A significant boost to Cooper’s global reach came in 1997 with the acquisition of Avon Tyres Ltd., a UK-based manufacturer known for its motorcycle, road car, and racing tires. This acquisition enhanced Cooper’s European presence and diversified its portfolio, which also included brands like Mastercraft, Dean, and Starfire.

Global Reach and Technological Advancements (2000s–2010s)

The early 2000s marked Cooper’s strategic push into international markets. In 2003, Cooper partnered with Taiwan’s Kenda Rubber Industrial Company to build a tire-manufacturing plant near Shanghai, China. By 2005, Cooper had acquired a 51% stake in China’s third-largest tire manufacturer, Cooper Chengshan, and a 11% stake in South Korea’s Kumho Tires. These moves established Cooper as a significant player in Asia, with 25% of its global sales coming from China by 2007.

Innovation remained at the core of Cooper’s strategy. In 2003, the company introduced the Cooper Zeon line, its first venture into ultra-high-performance (UHP) tires, targeting larger rim sizes (19-, 20-, and 22-inch) and low aspect ratios. By the end of the decade, Cooper had captured about 5% of the North American UHP replacement tire market. In 2011, Cooper launched four new premium tires, including the Discoverer A/T3 and Discoverer S/T Maxx, catering to the growing demand for all-terrain and commercial-grade tires. The Zeon RS3-G1, introduced later, featured innovative Wear Square technology to monitor tire wear, enhancing safety and performance.

Cooper also expanded its motorsport presence, becoming the official tire supplier for series like the A1 Grand Prix (2005–2008), Champ Car Atlantic Championship (2007), and USF2000 National Championship (2010). Its sponsorship of racing events, including the Mazda Road to Indy and the Professional Bull Riders tour, reinforced its reputation for performance and durability.

Acquisition by Goodyear and Modern Era (2021–Present)

In February 2021, Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company announced its acquisition of Cooper for approximately $2.8 billion in cash and shares, a deal finalized in June 2021. This merger united two Ohio-based tire giants, creating a stronger U.S.-based leader in the global tire industry. Cooper’s complementary portfolio, particularly its strength in light truck and SUV tires, enhanced Goodyear’s offerings, while Goodyear’s extensive distribution network provided new growth opportunities for Cooper’s brands.

Today, Cooper operates manufacturing facilities in the United States (Ohio, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Georgia), as well as in England, Serbia, Mexico, and China. Its Global Technical Center in Findlay, established in 2014, serves as a hub for tire science and technology, ensuring rigorous testing and innovation. Cooper’s commitment to safety is evident in initiatives like “Tread Wisely,” a program launched to educate young drivers about tire maintenance and safe driving.

Cooper’s product lineup remains diverse, catering to passenger cars, SUVs, light trucks, and commercial vehicles. Popular models like the Discoverer Rugged Trek, Discoverer AT3, and Cobra Instinct reflect Cooper’s focus on durability, performance, and versatility. The company’s “My Car Wears Coopers” campaign, launched in 2024, emphasizes its mission to meet the needs of diverse drivers.

Legacy and Values

Cooper Tire & Rubber Company’s history is a testament to its ability to adapt and innovate in a dynamic industry. From its origins in tire repair to its global presence today, Cooper has remained true to Ira J. Cooper’s creed of quality, fairness, and integrity. Its iconic red, white, and blue logo, featuring a knight’s helmet, symbolizes reliability and honor, values that continue to define the brand.

As a subsidiary of Goodyear, Cooper is poised to continue its legacy of producing high-quality, American-made tires while expanding its global reach. With over 9,000 employees and a presence in more than a dozen countries, Cooper remains a trusted choice for drivers seeking performance, safety, and value.

Whether navigating city streets, tackling off-road trails, or racing on the track, Cooper Tires has spent over a century keeping drivers connected to the road. As the company looks to the future, its commitment to innovation, quality, and community ensures that the Cooper name will endure for generations to come.