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125 years of Fuldaer Gummiwerke: Celebration and farewell at the same time!
Fulda Gummiwerke is celebrating 125 years of innovation in tire production, but is closing by the end of 2025 due to economic challenges.
125 years of Fuldaer Gummiwerke: Celebration and farewell at the same time!
There is an important event on the horizon in Cologne: the Fuldaer Gummiwerke is celebrating its 125th anniversary. Founded in 1900 by the engineer Gustav Becker and the businessman Moritz Hasenclever, the company has made a name for itself in the highly competitive tire industry. Its history began with the production of shoe heels and rubber mats before bringing the first bicycle tires to market in 1906. Meyer, who was responsible for producing the first successful bicycle tire called “Diadem”, laid the foundation for the company’s innovative strength. That's what she reports Fulda newspaper.
The location of the rubber works on Künzeller Straße was strategically chosen, not only because of the direct connection to the rail network, but also because of the low wages at the time. Over the years, the factory has held its ground, experienced many ups and downs and produced various new products, including the legendary “Parabel” tires and the first pneumatic truck tire “Elastic”. A small miracle in the company's eventful history is that despite the destruction in the Second World War, production was able to resume as early as 1946.
Striking milestones in the company's history
With the takeover by the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company in 1962, Fulda became part of one of the largest tire manufacturers in the world, while the brand remained independent. The last few decades have been marked by important marketing campaigns such as the “BLACK.BREIT.STARK.” advertising campaign. from 1986 and sponsorship of the Yukon Quest, a famous dog sled race that began in 1997. But in recent years a bleak picture has emerged: in November 2023, the closure of the plant until the third quarter of 2025 had to be announced. Over 1,000 employees are worried about their jobs, many of whom have spent their entire working lives in the rubber works.
Fulda Reifen, then known as Gummiwerke Fulda, is more than just a tire manufacturer; The company's history is a reflection of industrial development in Germany. With the conversion into a stock corporation in 1909 and the merger with the Seiberling Rubber Co. in 1927, the company consolidated its position in the industry. The focus has evolved over the years - from the production of solid rubber tires to a wide range that is now offered in truck and agricultural tires as well as in the replacement business Wikipedia.
Saying goodbye to a traditional company like Fuldaer Gummiwerke is bitter, but it also brings with it the memory of 125 years of innovation and progress. Part of Cologne's industrial history will end in the coming months, but the memories and influence of the Fulda tire brand will remain highly valued.