History of Sumitomo Rubber

1909 Dunlop U.K. established Japan's first modern rubber factory.
Began production of bicycle tires and tubes, and solid rickshaw tires
1911 Began production of rubber tubing, rubber gloves and water pillows
1913 Produced Japan's first automobile tires
1917 Incorporated as a Japanese company with ¥1.18million.capital
1930 Produced Japan's first golf and tennis balls
1935 Began production of motorcycle tires
1944 Izumiotsu Factory began operation
1951 Began production of rubber printer's blankets for offset printing
1953 Developed Japan's first tubeless tire
1960 Sumitomo Group companies became shareholders
1961 Nagoya Factory began operation.
Began production of Dunlop Fort tennis balls
1963 Sumitomo assumed management of company.
Changed name to Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd.
1964 Began production of golf clubs
1966 Started mass-production of Japan's first radial tires, "SP3"
1967 Began production of marine fenders
1972 Kakogawa Factory began operation
1974 Shirakawa Factory began operation
1976 Miyazaki Factory began operation.
Developed Japan's first Formula-1 racing tires
1984 Acquired six tire plants in U.K., Germany and France as well as Dunlop Tyre Technical Devision in U.K.
1986 Acquired Dunlop Tire Corporation in U.S.A.
Constructed Okayama Tire Proving Ground
1994 Constructed new Head Office
1995 Closed Kobe Factory due to Great Hanshin Earthquake
1996 Ichijima Factory began operation
1997 Indonesia Factory began operation
1999 Formed alliance in tire business with The Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company in U.S.A.
2001 Zhongshan Factory began operation
2003 Integration with Ohtsu Tire and Rubber Company
Established SRI Sports Ltd. and SRI Hybrid Ltd.
2004 Changshu Factory began operation
2006 Launched 70% fossil resource-free tires, "ENASAVE ES801"
Thai Factory began operation
2007 SRI Hybrid's Vietnam Factory began operation
2008 Launched 97% fossil resource-free tires, "ENASAVE 97"

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