Goodyear, Michelin, Bridgestone Top List of Largest North American Rubber Companies

AKRON, Ohio, July 15 -- Goodyear, Michelin North America Inc. and Bridgestone Americas Holding Inc. head the list of the largest North American rubber product companies in the latest ranking of public and private companies compiled by Rubber & Plastics News.

The annual RPN study, based on 2004 sales in North America, shows Goodyear as the top rubber product maker, posting sales estimated at $8.15 billion. Michelin North America had sales of $6.35 billion, and Bridgestone Americas $5.5 billion. These three manufacturers also are the three largest tire makers for 2004: Goodyear No. 1 with sales of $6.9 billion; Michelin No. 2 at $6.35 billion; and Bridgestone No. 3, $4.5 billion.

Another ranking in the special section in RPN's July 11 issue listing the largest non-tire rubber goods makers North America places Tomkins P.L.C., owner of hose and belt maker Gates, in the top spot with sales of $1.45 billion. Cooper-Standard Automotive ranks second and Parker-Hannifin third.

A chart ranking the world's largest non-tire rubber products makers is headed by Hutchinson S.A. of France, with sales of $3 billion in 2004. Germany's Freudenberg Group is second, and Bridgestone Corp. of Japan third.

The section includes stories and charts on rubber industry sales per employee, operating ratios, earnings and other issues.

Rubber & Plastics News, a Crain Communications Inc publication, is a biweekly tabloid newspaper for the rubber industry based in Akron, Ohio.