Harvey S. Firestone and Henry Ford: Joining Rubber to Rims
There are some relationships that change the world. One such relationship existed between Harvey S. Firestone and Henry Ford.
When Harvey Firestone and Henry Ford first met in 1895, they were both relatively unknown. But from that historic first meeting -- between a buggy salesman and a machinist -- a business partnership grew that changed the world.
"The most famous friendship my grandfather had was with Henry Ford," says A. Brooks Firestone. "They both shared a vision. Henry Ford wanted to get people on the road and so did Harvey Firestone. The bottom line is they simply lived transportation."
Firestone, a salesman for the Columbus Buggy Company in Detroit, was determined to design a tire that would be more comfortable to drive on. To do that, he founded his own company in 1900 -- The Firestone Tire & Rubber Company. In the beginning, the company only sold tires made by other manufacturers. Firestone soon realized he could make a better product, so in 1903 the company manufactured its first set of rubber tires.
In 1904, The Firestone Tire & Rubber Company designed its first set of pneumatic tires. The pneumatic tire was designed as an alternative to the solid rubber tire because it gave vehicles a much smoother ride. Firestone quickly realized the potential for this type of tire, and in 1906 contacted Henry Ford about supplying pneumatic tires for his automobiles. Ford agreed, purchasing 2,000 sets of tires. Brooks Firestone comments, "When the order for Henry Ford was placed, it was a big deal. It was the largest order placed at the time, and it was one that suited both of their visions: efficient, large manufacturing for something that was good for America."
A decade after their first meeting, the wheels were in motion for the automotive revolution. Henry Ford would later remark, "He was the first tire manufacturer to seek an order from us. He got the order, and he has furnished us with about half of our tires since."
Firestone continued to blaze new trails. He played a major role in the development of the highway system, as well as jump-starting the trucking industry with his "Ship by Truck" movement. The Firestone Tire & Rubber Company also branched out into many areas of business, including plastics, household goods and automobile parts, but the innovative spirit of its founder kept tire technology as the Firestone focus. This focus made the Firestone name synonymous with automotive firsts, including non-skid tires and demountable rims.
Bridgestone/Firestone is celebrating 100 years of innovation that began in 1900 through a company founded by Harvey S. Firestone. Throughout the year 2000, "Firestone: A Legend. A Century. A Celebration." recognizes the entrepreneurial spirit that built a brand admired worldwide.
Nashville-based Bridgestone/Firestone, Inc. is the largest subsidiary of Bridgestone Corporation of Japan, the world's largest manufacturer of tires and other rubber products. Bridgestone/Firestone develops, manufactures and markets Bridgestone, Firestone, Dayton and associate and private brand tires. The company also produces Firestone air springs, roofing materials, synthetic rubber and industrial fibers and textiles.
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| Henry Ford and Harvey Firestone, Sr. were two powerful captains of industry who genuinely enjoyed each other's company. Here they chat by the fence at the May 29, 1932 Indianapolis 500. (Akron University Archives - Firestone Collection) |