Michelin® has been a part of the tire industry in the United States since 1907 when it purchased the International Rubber Company in Milltown, New Jersey. Tires and tubes were manufactured there up until 1930 when the Great Depression took its toll on what had become the fourth largest tire manufacturer in the country with 2,000 employees. The Michelin® North America as we know it today took form In March of 1950. With three sizes and two different tread designs of truck tires made with metallic plies, five people started Michelin® Tire Corporation in New York City.

Michelin® had led a revolution in the transportation industry with the introduction of the radial tire. As the global demand for radial tires accelerated, Michelin® responded with an expansion plan that opened twenty-three new plants, all producing radial tires. Michelin® made the decision in the early 70's to produce only radial tires and eliminate production of the old-style bias ply tires. Two plants had been opened in Nova Scotiain 1971 and it was announced that construction would soon begin for two plants in western part of South Carolina.

After a careful study of market trends and monitoring the actions of its two major global competitors, Michelin® made the decision in 1989 to purchase the Uniroyal-Goodrich Tire Company. This acquisition would not only make Michelin® the largest tire company in the world, but would provide the corporation with a portfolio of strong brands with a rich heritage in the American tire market. Uniroyal and BFGoodrich Tire formed a joint venture in 1986 to leverage each others' strengths in the original equipment and replacement market. Michelin® went into the 90's in a position to offer the best products at the best price point in all virtually every consumer category.