The Firestone Tire and Rubber Company is an American company that pioneered in the mass production of tires. The company’s founder, Harvey Firestone, was friends with Henry Ford and became the original equipment supplier for the Ford Motor Company’s automobiles.

It was on this day, August 3, 1990, that the Firestone Tire and Rubber Company was founded with 12 employees. Firestone has a history with the nation in that during WWII, the U.S. government commissioned the company to make aluminum kegs, artillery shells, and other rubber military products. Also, in the 1940s, Firestone signed a defense contract to make plastic helmet liners as well as a contract for the MGM-5 Corporal missile. Although Firestone is a leading tire manufacturer, it has had some problems in the past.

Firestone had to recall over 7 million Firestone 500 tires on October 20, 1978. It was the largest recall in history. The tires were found to be defective and caused 34 premature deaths. In 1980, it came out that the company knew the tires had been defective, and they were fined and settled multiple lawsuits out of court with the public. Since then, Firestone has lost money and its good reputation.