The United States Rubber Company, established in 1892 in Naugatuck, Connecticut, was a prominent American manufacturer of tires and other rubber products. Operating under the brand name "U.S. Royal," the company produced tires that became standard equipment for many automobiles from World War II through the 1960s.
In 1961, the company rebranded itself as Uniroyal, Inc., unifying its various products and subsidiaries under a single name. This rebranding marked a significant shift in the company's identity and market presence.
One of the company's most notable marketing achievements was the creation of the Giant Uniroyal Tire for the 1964–1965 New York World's Fair. Originally functioning as a Ferris wheel, this 80-foot-tall structure was designed by the same architectural firm responsible for the Empire State Building. After the fair, the tire was relocated to Allen Park, Michigan, where it remains a landmark along Interstate 94.
In 1990, Uniroyal was acquired by the French tire manufacturer Michelin, ceasing to exist as an independent entity. Today, the Uniroyal brand continues under Michelin's ownership, maintaining its legacy in the tire industry.