May 21, 2004

ON A ROLL FOR 100 YEARS, VAIL RUBBER WORKS CELEBRATES ITS CENTURY MARK

(St. Joseph, Mich.)  On Thursday, May 20, 2004, Vail Rubber Works, Inc. celebrated something few companies achieve — it’s 100th anniversary. To mark the occasion, Vail President Joseph W. “Bill” Hanley said employees, company “old timers,” civic leaders, shareholders, customers and suppliers attended an outdoor reception at the plant site.
William A. Vail founded the company in 1904 in Chicago.  He moved the family-owned and operated business to its current Langley Avenue, St. Joseph, Mich., location in 1920 after purchasing the property and equipment from bankrupt Palmer Tire & Rubber Co.  Several additions later, Vail’s office and manufacturing complex now spans nearly 65,000 square feet.

Hanley said for 75 of Vail Rubber’s 100 years, the company has built its reputation as a regional manufacturer of rubber, and in recent decades, polyurethane roll covers for the metal, paper and other industries.  But he added that Vail’s past products serve as a record of changing technology, from its earliest days manufacturing rubber horseshoes to providing rubber arm rests for automobiles and rubber coverings for propeller shafts on World War II Navy vessels.

Today Vail Rubber employs 100 people working three shifts, Monday through Friday.  Included in the ranks are two sets of fourth-generation brothers (from the Hanley and Fellows families) and one fifth-generation cousin.

When asked whether the company will be around for a 200th anniversary, Hanley said, “That’s certainly our goal.”

For more information about Vail Rubber Works, Inc. history or its services, contact us or call (269) 983-1595.

Photos available: photo 1 | photo 2