DENVER—(Jan. 20, 2011)—Gates Corp. has turned 100 years old.
The maker of automotive and industrial belts and hose began life in 1911 when Charles Gates Sr. bought the Colorado Tire and Leather Co., a small shop in Denver. The firm later became Gates Rubber Co., and grew into one of the giants of the industry.
Today Gates is owned by Tomkins Ltd., which itself was purchased last year by is owned by Onex Corp. and Canada Pension Plan Investment Board for about $5 billion.