The History of Michelin and Its Success

We will constantly see this white mascot somewhere online or even in workshops symbolizing white tires promoting the brand Michelin. People will also place them everywhere including at the back of their cars or truck drivers hang them inside their lorries.

It is without a doubt that Michelin tires are of premium quality and well-known across the globe. Behind every success, there lies a story to be told to inspire everyone out there.

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Let us see how Andre Michelin can bring his company to the top and his success story.

Background of Andre Michelin

Andre Michelin was born in 1853 in Clermont Ferrand, France. He came from a business family which was established by his grandfather back in 1832.

The business was more focused on producing farmers' equipment and rubber products including belts and balls for kids. Michelin managed to take over the business in 1886 and quickly gained a reputation for being innovative in the motor industry which was at its peak at the time.

In the year 1889, he managed to create a tire that can easily be disassembled. He also patented the design in 1891 the same year the bicycle race event was held from Paris to Brest.

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Afterward, it was history for Michelin as their tires quickly were adapted into motor vehicles until today. 

The White Mascot Icon

Andre Michelin and his brother, Edouard have seen a pile of tires and suddenly they came out with the idea of a mascot made from tires. Later on, this became a reality when Bibendum became their white puffy mascot as an icon for their company.

Andre Michelin has helped introduce it to motor vehicles and this has definitely raised the demand for Michelin tires.

The Production of Pneumatic Train Tires

In the year 1929, Michelin has then produced pneumatic tires for trains and it was then tested in France as well as Great Britain. In the early 21st century the company has 68 manufacturing facilities in 17 countries worldwide. They even paid as many as 112,000 workers.

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The world was shaken later with the loss of its founder Michelin in 1931 and later in 1940 his brother, Edouard also breathed his last breath. 

To everyone's surprise, the company was able to sustain itself till this day considering that it all started back in 1889. 

Source:

• ERIH

• Gulf News

• BBC

Also read: Toyota History Starting from Selling Loom Machinery