Tuesday 4th June 1940

The B. F. Goodrich Tire & Rubber Company of Akron, OH introduced ‘Ameripol’ tires, the world’s first to be made from synthetic rubber. Ameripol made synthetic rubber production much more cost effective, helping Akron, Ohio, rubber companies, including B.F. Goodrich, Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company, and Firestone Tire and Rubber Company, to meet the country’s needs during World War II (1941-1945). Waldo Semon’s invention helped end the United States’ dependence on foreign rubber. Upon World War II’s conclusion, these same companies began to produce synthetic rubber items for peacetime use as well.