As an innovator in tire manufacturing, a few technologies are credited to Michelin. Among them are the train tire that can run through rails known as the pneurail, the removable tire, and the green tire technology that significantly reduces fuel consumption.
Michelin’s rich history began with the Michelin brothers Édouard and André who owned a rubber factory. A cyclist dropped by the factory one day needed a repair for his bike’s pneumatic tire. Because the tire was glued to its rim, it took them three hours to remove the tire, and overnight to let the glue dry up after the repair. A test was conducted on the bike the next day. The ire failed after running just a few hundred meters. The setback fueled the enthusiasm in the Michelin brothers to create their own version of pneumatic tire – one that does not need to be glued to the rim.
On May 28, 1888, the Michelin brothers incorporated their new company. Three years later, Michelin got its first patent for a removable pneumatic tire. Charles Terront used this tire and won first long distance cycle race in the world.
Throughout the history of Michelin, the company made significant acquisitions. In 1988, B.F. Goodrich Company was acquired by Michelin, including the manufacturing plant in Norwood, North Carolina, which is the tire supplier to the US Space Shuttle Program. After two years, Michelin also acquired Uniroyal Inc. Michelin also owned 90% of the stakes in Hungary’s Taurus Tire and a significant interest in Poland’s Kormoran.
After settling for the second spot for two years, Michelin took the first spot from Bridgestone on September 1, 2008 as the largest tire manufacturer in the world.