Post by sc397 on Dec 9, 2015 10:36:31 GMT -8
I may go check out the Mansion..
www.metroparkstoledo.com/metro/parksandplaces/item.asp?item_id=2775
Champion Spark Plug Co.
Brothers R.A. and F.D Stranahan officially founded Champion Spark Plug Company in 1908. In reality, the company’s roots trace back at least three years earlier when F.D, Spencer Stranahan (another brother), and Albert Champion imported car parts from France and sold them out of their Boston offices. After fielding numerous complaints about spark plugs, the entrepreneurs decided to produce their own product. Two innovations ensured the new plug’s success. First, it was replaceable, and second, it was much more efficient than other models. With their new spark plug, the Stranahan brothers and Albert Champion stood poised to change the industry forever, as it turned out, just not together.
After the youngest brother, R.A. Stranahan, graduated from Harvard University in just two and half years, he joined the spark plug enterprise in 1908. Around this time, Spencer Stranahan tragically passed away. Finally, Albert Champion decided to strike out on his own and started his own company A.C. Spark Plugs which quickly became affiliated with General Motors and moved to Flint, Michigan. This shake-up left just R.A. and F.D to officially start Champion Spark Plug Company in 1908.
Boston was not the ideal place to headquarter a new automotive company, and after just two years in business the Stranahans lost thousands of dollars on the venture. Following a promising meeting with the owner of Willys Overland Company, the second largest automobile producer in the world, R.A. convinced his brother that the company needed to move to Toledo, Ohio. In 1910, the 24 year-old R.A. Stranahan relocated Champion Spark Plug and quickly secured not only a contract with Willys, but also an exclusive contract with Ford Motor Company. Two years later, the Stranahan brothers owned the world’s largest spark plug manufacturer, a position the company held for decades to come.
While Champion Spark Plug diversified over the years offering many products and services, two constants remained. First, the company’s headquarters stayed in Toledo, and second, the Stranahan family maintained control of the business. When R.A. and F.D retired as President and Vice President in 1954, their son’s Robert, Jr. and Duane immediately stepped in to fill the positions. Not until 1986, did someone other than a Stranahan assume the presidency of the company. In 1989, Champion Spark Plug sold for over $700 million to Cooper Industries. Shortly after, most of its operations moved out of Toledo marking an end to one of the city’s most successful businesses.
www.metroparkstoledo.com/metro/parksandplaces/item.asp?item_id=2775
Champion Spark Plug Co.
Brothers R.A. and F.D Stranahan officially founded Champion Spark Plug Company in 1908. In reality, the company’s roots trace back at least three years earlier when F.D, Spencer Stranahan (another brother), and Albert Champion imported car parts from France and sold them out of their Boston offices. After fielding numerous complaints about spark plugs, the entrepreneurs decided to produce their own product. Two innovations ensured the new plug’s success. First, it was replaceable, and second, it was much more efficient than other models. With their new spark plug, the Stranahan brothers and Albert Champion stood poised to change the industry forever, as it turned out, just not together.
After the youngest brother, R.A. Stranahan, graduated from Harvard University in just two and half years, he joined the spark plug enterprise in 1908. Around this time, Spencer Stranahan tragically passed away. Finally, Albert Champion decided to strike out on his own and started his own company A.C. Spark Plugs which quickly became affiliated with General Motors and moved to Flint, Michigan. This shake-up left just R.A. and F.D to officially start Champion Spark Plug Company in 1908.
Boston was not the ideal place to headquarter a new automotive company, and after just two years in business the Stranahans lost thousands of dollars on the venture. Following a promising meeting with the owner of Willys Overland Company, the second largest automobile producer in the world, R.A. convinced his brother that the company needed to move to Toledo, Ohio. In 1910, the 24 year-old R.A. Stranahan relocated Champion Spark Plug and quickly secured not only a contract with Willys, but also an exclusive contract with Ford Motor Company. Two years later, the Stranahan brothers owned the world’s largest spark plug manufacturer, a position the company held for decades to come.
While Champion Spark Plug diversified over the years offering many products and services, two constants remained. First, the company’s headquarters stayed in Toledo, and second, the Stranahan family maintained control of the business. When R.A. and F.D retired as President and Vice President in 1954, their son’s Robert, Jr. and Duane immediately stepped in to fill the positions. Not until 1986, did someone other than a Stranahan assume the presidency of the company. In 1989, Champion Spark Plug sold for over $700 million to Cooper Industries. Shortly after, most of its operations moved out of Toledo marking an end to one of the city’s most successful businesses.