Cooper

A Century of American Tire Craftsmanship

Few names in the tire industry carry the weight of history that Cooper does. Cooper Tire & Rubber Company traces its roots back to 1914, when brothers-in-law John F. Schaefer and Claude E. Hart expanded a tire repair operation in Akron, Ohio. What began as a modest rubber goods business grew steadily over the following decades, eventually consolidating under the Cooper name in 1946 and establishing its headquarters in Findlay, Ohio — where the company has remained ever since.

From those early years, Cooper built its reputation on a straightforward philosophy articulated by Ira J. Cooper in 1926: "good merchandise, fair play, and a square deal." That ethos has guided the brand for over a century, earning it a loyal following among drivers who want dependable performance without overpaying for a premium badge.

Innovation Woven Into Every Tread

Cooper has never stood still technologically. The company developed proprietary "Armored Cord" construction in the early days of the brand, began using cold synthetic rubber compounds in the 1940s, and launched full-scale steel-belted radial production in the mid-1970s. More recently, innovations like Armor-Tek3 — a three-layer protection system engineered to resist punctures and trail abuse on off-road tires — and Adaptive-Traction Technology with Snow Groove design (earning the coveted Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake certification) demonstrate Cooper's ongoing commitment to pushing tire engineering forward.

Cooper produces tires spanning a remarkably wide range of vehicle types and driving applications. The iconic Discoverer family has long served truck and SUV owners with everything from highway touring and all-terrain variants to serious mud-terrain rubber, while the Zeon performance line targets sport compact and performance car enthusiasts. Everyday drivers will find capable all-season and grand touring options in lineups like the CS5 and Endeavor series, each designed to balance ride comfort, longevity, and wet-weather traction.

From Independent Roots to Global Reach

Unlike some tire giants that built vast networks of company-owned retail outlets, Cooper historically focused on selling exclusively through independent dealers and distributors — a philosophy that earned deep retailer loyalty and kept the brand closely connected to the drivers it served. That grassroots approach, combined with consistent quality, helped Cooper surpass $1 billion in annual sales and earn a place on the Fortune 500.

In 2021, Cooper was acquired by Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, the largest American tire manufacturer, giving Cooper access to expanded research and development resources while continuing to operate as a distinct brand. Today, Cooper maintains manufacturing facilities across the United States, as well as operations in China, Mexico, Serbia, and through its UK-based Avon Tyres subsidiary — making it a truly global producer with firmly American roots.

The Right Tire for Every Road

Whether you're outfitting a daily commuter, a weekend off-road rig, or a commercial work truck, Cooper's extensive tire catalog offers a solution engineered to deliver reliable traction, long tread life, and genuine value. Cooper's rigorous in-house testing and quality control processes ensure that every tire leaving the factory meets demanding safety and performance standards — a promise backed by more than 110 years of manufacturing experience.