Monroe Celebrates 100th Anniversary

Grandsons of Monroe founders and Tenneco execs pose for a celebratory photo. From right to left: James McIntyre, Gregg Sherrill, Susan McIntyre, Enrique Orta, William McIntrye, Rick Meyer, and Charles McIntrye.

Tenneco’s Monroe Shocks and Struts brand celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2016.

To celebrate a century in business, Tenneco hosted an event for employees, government officials, and other VIPs at the company’s global aftermarket facility in Monroe, Mich., on May 20.

“Today is a celebration of the innovation and passion for excellence that have made Monroe a leading global brand over the past century and which will drive its continued growth over the next 100 years,” said Gregg Sherrill Tenneco chairman and CEO. “This is one of the elite industry brands that defines its category, particularly in the minds of automotive service professionals who each day choose Monroe products to help deliver a superior driving experience for their customers.”

The Monroe brand got its start in 1916 when August F. Meyer established a tire pump manufacturing company in Monroe, Mich. Soon after, Meyer partnered with Charles S. McIntyre, a local automobile dealer, and in 1919 the company was renamed Monroe Automobile Equipment Manufacturing Co. This name was later shorted to Monroe Auto Equipment Co.

In 1926, Meyer and McIntyre developed the company’s first shock absorber, the Monroe Shock Eliminator. This shock absorber was largely based on the single-barrel tire pump. In 1929, the company invented its first double-action shock and in 1938 Monroe introduced a line of shocks for railroad passenger cars. By 1951, Monroe had become one of North America’s leading suppliers of shock absorbers to both OEMs and the aftermarket.

In 1977, Tenneco acquired Monroe Auto Equipment Co. and has continued to grow the Monroe brand.

In addition to hearing from company execs, those attending the 100th anniversary celebration heard from Rick Meyer, grandson of founder August Meyer. Attendees also had the opportunity to tour the Monroe facility and hear about the brand’s latest innovations in the OE and replacement markets.

The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company has named Ryan Waldron as president of the company's Americas business unit, reporting to Chief Executive Officer and President Mark Stewart. He succeeds Steven R. McClellan, who retired on April 1.

"At Goodyear, our customers are at the center of everything we do, and in Ryan Waldron, we have a customer-centric, execution-focused business leader with a deep understanding of both the marketplace and all aspects of our business, as well as a proven track record of delivering results," Stewart said. "I am thrilled to announce him as president of Goodyear's Americas business and have enormous confidence that under his leadership, both the company and our customers will reach even greater levels of success."