FINDLAY, Ohio (May 5, 2009)—Cooper Tire & Rubber Co.'s Mastercraft tire brand is celebrating its 100th anniversary.
Mastercraft began in 1909 as a brand of the old Falls Rubber Co., which also manufactured Falls brand tires as its main line. In 1930, the company was purchased by Giant Tire & Rubber Co. and Cooper Corp.
The two entities, which continued to operate independently, were joined under a holding company called Master Tire & Rubber Co. In 1946, the company consolidated its operations and changed its name to Cooper Tire & Rubber Co.
Cooper is planning several programs to honor Mastercraft's 100-year milestone for both employees and consumers, including a 100th anniversary logo, a sweepstakes contest, a consumer rebate program and other marketing initiatives, the company said.