Vail Rubber Works, Inc. – a family-owned American business for over 100 years

William A. Vail

When William A. Vail started Vail Rubber Works in Chicago in 1904, he probably had no idea that his company would survive - and thrive - for more than 100 years under the ownership and management of his direct descendents. 

But that is exactly what has happened, and in the process Vail Rubber has provided reliable products and services to leading companies in the paper, steel and aluminum industries among others…and good reliable employment to thousands of American families over its 100 plus years to date.

From developing and manufacturing varied rubber products like horseshoes and railroad ties in the earliest days through the manufacturing of millions of molded products for the Midwestern auto and appliance industries and the rubber-covering of propeller shafts for the U.S. government during the second world war, Vail’s history has been colorful and varied. Today, Vail Rubber is widely known and respected for the reliable, long-lasting roll covers that they have manufactured and supplied to paper and rolled metal manufacturers for the past 75 plus years across the eastern United States, and they have done this the old-fashioned way – as a family-owned and operated American enterprise.

A 100 year old company that is still "family-owned and operated" by 4th and 5th generation descendents of the founder is certainly unique and somewhat quaint-sounding these days, but what does this really mean to our customers – both current and prospective?

Owning and operating a family business for more than 100 years has given us a long-range perspective on what we do and how we do it. Make no mistake … short-term goals are important to us and will continue to be, but our primary focus is on the long-term success of our customers. By continually providing our customers with cost-effective, innovative solutions for their roll-related applications, we share in their success while at the same time providing for our own future and for the security of our employees. This unwavering commitment to take care of our customers is how our previous generations did business. That's the legacy we're passing on.

As part of this long-term family-based focus, Vail Rubber is:

• Committed to providing a safe work environment
• Committed to providing the best products and services possible to our customers
• Committed to the fair treatment of our suppliers
• Committed to the welfare of our trusted employees
• Committed to being a respected corporate citizen and an asset to the communities in which we operate
• Committed to the survival of manufacturing in the United States
• Committed to the value of family

Thank you for being with us as we at Vail Rubber move into our 2nd century!

Descendants of William A. Vail, founder of Vail Rubber, and their spouses gather at the close of the May 20, 2004 centennial celebration.