Not many companies or brands make it to their 100th birthday. A century in business is a huge milestone; one that Tenneco’s Monroe Shocks and Struts brand celebrates this year.
To mark this momentous occasion, Tenneco hosted an event for employees, government officials, and other VIPs at the company’s global aftermarket facility in Monroe, Mich., on May 20.
In addition to hearing from company execs, those attending the 100th anniversary celebration heard from Rick Meyer, grandson of founder August Meyer. Attendees also toured the Monroe facility and learned about the brand’s latest innovations in the OE and replacement markets.
“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 Inc. 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.”
Sherrill thanked those who helped the brand grow over the years, noting that Monroe is stronger than ever and whatever the future brings, the brand has momentum moving forward.
“[Monroe’s] a brand that started in Monroe, Michigan, started right here in the United States, that has penetrated markets around the world. Very few automotive brands below the car level penetrate beyond their own borders. But Monroe is recognized all over the world,” he said.
Sherrill cited three reasons why he believes the Monroe brand has stood the test of time:
Commitment to customers. Sherrill said the company has built “rock solid relationships with customers” and that customers come first.
Innovation. “From the first dual-action shock absorber to today’s Monroe Intelligence Systems, that continuous innovation; everyone knows that brand is all about quality technology that can be trusted. I think that has to be a big part as well,” Sherrill shared.
The team. “The most important thing is the team that has been entrusted to take care of this brand,” Sherrill continued. “It’s your expertise, it’s the way you approach the business, your commitments to the brand and commitment to the customers. That has to be the key ingredient.”
Several politicians chose to mark Monroe’s historic anniversary with proclamations and honors. Monroe Charter Township, where Tenneco’s aftermarket facility is located, declared May 20, 2016, Monroe Shocks and Struts Day. The nearby city of Monroe declared the date, Tenneco Day. Additionally, U.S. Representative Tim Walberg shared statements he made on the floor of the House in honor of Monroe Shocks and Struts, and U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow’s office presented the company with a certificate of Congressional recognition.
Tenneco also chose to honor the community that supported the Monroe brand over the years with a surprise of its own. The company announced a $50,000 donation to United Way of Monroe County.
History
The Monroe brand got its start in 1916 when August F. Meyer established a tire pump manufacturing company in Monroe. 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 shortened to Monroe Auto Equipment Co.
In 1926, when the demand for tire pumps had peaked, 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.
By 1933, Monroe was the leading supplier to Detroit-based car manufacturers and, in 1938, the company introduced a line of shocks for railroad passenger cars. In 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.
“One of the hallmarks of great companies and brands is their ability to anticipate and address emerging challenges and opportunities,” said Jeff Koviak, vice president and general manager of the North America aftermarket at Tenneco. “The shift to ride control in 1926 is a perfect example of this, as were our investments in products and programs to serve the growing aftermarket beginning in the 1950s; Tenneco’s expansion into the strut category in the early 1980s; and our development of complete strut assemblies in 2003.”
Today, Tenneco operates 15 engineering centers across five continents and serves the world’s leading OE manufacturers and replacement parts distributors and retailers. The value of Monroe to Tenneco is “hard to calculate, but it is an important part of the Tenneco business,” Sherrill said.
