Kelly tires supply different types for various vehicles, weather, and road conditions. Their broader range of products includes highway, touring, all-season, and many more tire variants. Plus, Kelly Tires has made its mark in the automobile market thanks to such excellent products.
Unfortunately, many people don’t know much about the company despite its popularity. So, who makes Kelly tires? It’s sad because Kelly Tire is among the first solid rubber tire manufacturers. They made and supplied solid rubber tires for some of the earliest automobiles and carriages.
Do you know it? I bet you don’t know.
So, here’s the answer for you. Currently, Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company is the manufacturer and owner of the Kelly Tires. The tire company was, however, previously owned by Kelly-Springfield Tire Company.
Over the years, the company has gone through ups and downs. Finally, Goodyear Tire brought it to make it a brand among their many tire sub-brands, including Dunlop tires, Douglas tires, and Copper Tire & Rubber Company.
Who Makes Kelly Tires
Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company own Kelly Tires. They took over the company in 1935. However, Kelly Tires continued to work as a subsidiary under Goodyear till 1999. After that, they turned Kelly Tires into a fully integrated company under Goodyear North America.
As you see, Kelly Tires have gone through ownership and name changes multiple times. It didn’t stop their journey to manufacture and supply great tires for many American vehicles. In fact, they have been serving the American automobile market since 1894.
Its establishment in 1894 makes it one of the earliest tire manufacturers worldwide. They started as a tire supplier for carriages. When America saw a spree of an automobile, the company soon began its solid rubber tire manufacturing for the vehicles.
History of Kelly Tires
Kelly Tires was originally established as Kelly-Springfield Tire Company after the founder’s name and location. Two friends named Edwin Kelly and Arthur Grant founded the company in Springfield and succeeded brilliantly.
In 1899, McMillin Group took over the Kelly Tires Company. But, they didn’t get the name as it was given to a New York Sales subsidiary. They got the name in 1911, and it continued for the next two decades.
In 1932, the company went through another name change. It officially became “The Kelly-Springfield Tire Company.” At that time, their main manufacturing plant was in Akron, Ohio. When the company started to grow and expand its business in America, it underwent another ownership change.
Yes, in 1935, Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company bought the Kelly-Springfield Tire Company. From them, the tire manufacturer has been working as a subsidiary of the Goodyear company. It became defunct in 1999 when Goodyear integrated Kelly Ties under their Goodyear North America. The brand was discontinued from then.
Nonetheless, the company tires are still available in Goodyear’s inventory. They still enjoy an excellent reputation in the market.
Where Is Kelly Tires Made
It is a tricky question since Goodyear has discontinued manufacturing Kelly tire brands. Yes, you will find their tire models in Goodyear’s shop. Yet, it is tough to find the actual manufacturing location since Goodyear has many production facilities and plants worldwide.
Their main manufacturing plant is in Akron, Ohio. It’s the same location where Kelly tires started their journey initially. However, let’s focus on Goodyear to find where their tires are made along with Kelly.
Besides Akron, Goodyear has established a few other manufacturing plants. These locations include:
- Venezuela
- India
- Turkey
- Malaysia
You may look at the product label or packaging to find the production location of the tire. But, it doesn’t matter where the tire is made. Goodyear maintains their premium American quality and standard for their tires in all their plants.
So, there’s no difference in the standard of their tires in any facilities. You may easily choose the tire and enjoy the smoothest riding experience.
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Why Is Kelly Tires So Famous
Although Goodyear has integrated Kelly Tires in their North American section, many people still praise Kelly tires. So, what makes the tire company so famous and reliable even after 23 years of not being in the market?
We have talked with the experts and a few old users of the Kelly tires to find their answer.
An amazing history
One of the key reasons for Kelly’s fame is its rich history. Since 1884 the company has been manufacturing solid rubber tires initially for carriages. So, it became immediately popular throughout the US.
Next, they entered the automobile market in 1899. So, they become one of the earliest tire manufacturers for vehicles at that time. It was an amazing feat as they were ahead of the European and Asian tire makers and suppliers at that time.
Reliability
Kelly tire has focused on quality assurance from its first day of tire production. Even when it worked as a Goodyear subsidiary, the company kept its independent features intact. Also, their quality didn’t shrink.
Henceforth, they enjoyed greater reliability among their customers. Also, they combined Goodyear’s tire technology in their products along with their technology. This combination had helped them manufacture truly reliable tires. It had brilliant durability and a smooth-riding experience.
Variation in the product line
Kelly manufactured a broader range of products for different automobiles. It includes the following options:
- All-season tires
- Touring tires
- All-terrain tires
- Highway tires
So, depending on your riding style and comfort, you may easily pick the right tire. Also, during our research, we found their products truly affordable. We were surprised how they delivered such quality tires at a reasonable price.
Of course, it favored their huge sales. Undoubtedly, the combination of quality, reliability, and reasonable pricing made Kelly tires a top choice in the US during the 19th century.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Kelly tires are a good and reliable brand. We have seen 83% of 4 out of 5-star ratings from customers for Kelly tires in the Mavis Tire Discount shop. There it received 650 reviews, with most being positive.
Yes, Kelly tires are still made in America under Goodyear North America. Their plant is in Akron, Ohio.
Conclusion
Kelly Tire is amongst the oldest tire manufacturers worldwide. They started their brilliant journey in 1894 in Springfield, Ohio. Later, Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company owned it in 1935. The company has been defunct since 1999 but has tires in Goodyear’s inventory.