Tech International marks Hall of Fame recognition and 75th anniversary

Tech International is celebrating a number of things this year. First, company founder Charles Cornell will be inducted to the TIA Hall of Fame this year at the Tire Industry Honors Award Ceremony during the 2014 Global Tire Expo in Las Vegas.

According to the award citation, Charles Cornell was working in the rubber industry when he recognized the need for better tyre and tube repairs. In 1939, he began his own business in Johnstown, Ohio: Technical Rubber Company. There Cornell developed a self-vulcanizing process that repaired tyre and tubes in hot or cold applications, revolutionizing the repair industry. Cornell’s innovation led to a complete line of tyre and tube repair products and set the stage for product breakthroughs at Tech International that included self-vulcanizing inserts, centering radial repairs and Uni-Seal repair units.

The vision Cornell had not only launched a business, but created a legacy of generations to come. Now, 75 years after Cornell began creating tyre repairs, Tech International is directed by the fourth-generation of family leaders. Still headquartered in Johnstown, Tech has grown to become an international manufacturer and distributor of more than 10,000 tyre repair, wheel service and industrial rubber products with 14 international offices and customers in 95 countries. Lauded for its export efforts, Tech International is one of only two companies to have been twice awarded the President’s “E-Star” Award for outstanding export success. He passed away in 1952.

75^th anniversary

Cornell founded Technical Rubber Co. in 1939, marking this year the company’s 75th anniversary. The company celebrated the milestone on 12 September at its recently finished training centre in Johnstown, Ohio, with employees, friends, Johnstown leaders and media.

Dan Layne, president of Tech International and part of the fourth-generation of family leadership at Tech, recognized Cornell’s accomplishments at the anniversary.

“Our founder, Charles Cornell, had the vision for Tech while working in the rubber industry. He saw the need for a better method of repairing tires,” said Layne. “So, in 1939 Charles left a stable job and, with his wife Rhea Belle, and created the Technical Rubber Co. Working out of the barn behind their home, Charles developed a rubber vulcanizing process that he used to develop repairs for tires and inner tubes in hot or cold applications. Charles named his invention the “2-Way” repair. This invention led to a complete line of tire and tube repair products, and it revolutionized the tire repair industry.”

Layne also recognized the leadership of generations before him, specifically Cornell’s step-daughter Pauline Chambers.

“During Pauline’s tenure, Tech expanded around the globe and today operates production facilities in Lisburn, Northern Ireland, Shanghai, China and of course – 75 years after Charles began creating tire repairs – Tech is still headquartered and continues to invest in its original production facility right here in Johnstown, Ohio,” said Layne. Members of Johnstown’s Chamber of Commerce were present at the event as well as the city’s Mayor, Sean Staneart.

To celebrate the anniversary, Tech International commissioned a commemorative art piece. Tech collaborated with One of a Kind Art Studio in Maryland and used photos, newspaper clippings and mementos to create the commemorative piece. The piece will be installed permanently in Tech’s headquarters.

In addition Tech Europe (EMEA) marked Tech’s 75th anniversary, highlighting the long-service of its workforce and enjoying a BBQ lunch at the Lisburn plant.