Goodyear is one of the world's largest tyre companies. It employs approximately 69,000 people and manufactures its products in more than 57 facilities in 23 countries around the world. Its three Innovation Centres in Akron, Ohio, Colmar-Berg, Luxembourg and Pulandian, China strive to develop state-of-the-art products and services that set the technology and performance standard for the industry. Goodyear was founded in 1898 by 38-year-old Frank Seiberling when he purchased the first plant with a $3,500 down payment using money he borrowed from a brother-in-law. The timing couldn't have been better; the bicycle craze of the 1890s was booming and the horseless carriage was a wide-open challenge.