More on Fostoria

More on Fostoria 1986

Autolite Spark Plugs have been made in Fostoria Plant for 50 years

Local Autolite Sparkplug (now Allied-Signal Inc.) is celebrating its 50th anniversary year in Fostoria.

In honor of the anniverasry, Allied (present owner) is planning an open house for late summer 1986

In early 1936 Chrysler engineers approved lab sample spark plugs that had been researched in Toledo, and Electric Auto-Lite set up production operations in the Fostoria plant, which was vacant at the time. (The former Peabody Buggy Co.)

The Auto-Lite spark plugs became popular fast. The original plan for Fostoria was for the plant to produce 10,000 plugs daily. Before production began, the sales force had generated enough of a market that the production number was doubled.

When World War ll began, Auto-Lite plugs were original equipment in several automobile lines and were also selling abroad. The market abroad ceased and production of the passenger car also ended. (New Autos were not being built for the public during the war years) Raw materials for non-millitary products were rationed. Fostoria production became sporadic.

Executives made several trips to Washington to attempt to convince government officials the importance of the Fostoria plant. Government officials saw Auto-Lite's point of view and in late 1942 began ordering spark plugs in quantity.

The Fostoria plant was granted the right to selfcertify aircraft plug shipments to the military because of its good record. It was the first plant in the industry granted that right.

New cars couldn't be built fast enough for the demand following the war. Auto-Lite products sere selling, including the newly-developed resistor spark plug. Introduced in 1949.

Business began falling off in the early 1950's. Many of Electric Autolite's customers were hitting hard times. The death of Royce Martin, president and chief officer, was just another blow to the company and many began to wonder if Autolite could survive.

A restructure came in April 1961, when Ford Motor Company purchased Autolite. Ford began to expand and enhance the Fostoria plant. Its plan was to use Autolite plugs and batteries for original equipment and to use Autolite's aftermarket to expand into that area.

Ford's needs were more than all of Autolite's previous production. During the Ford years, Fostoria produced more sparkplugs than it had from 1936 through the spring of 1961.

The Justice Department sued for divestiture, alleging the Ford purchased tended to restrain trade and competition. The Supreme Court ordered Ford to divest, and Bendix Corporation bought Autolite late in 1973.

Under Bendix, Autolite was able to fulfill a requiredment set up by the Supreme Court for the new owner. It would supply Ford's needs for at least five years.

In 1974, after some legal blocks, Bendix acquired the Fram Corporation of Providence R.I., and could then distribute Autolite Spark Plugs in the replacement market properly.

In 1983, Bendix became a part of Allied Automotive.

Autolite entered new markets with its spark plug line as well as divesified into new automotive areas.

Autolite recently expanded its line of small engine spark plugs for equipment such as lawn mowers, chain saws and snow blowers.

Autolite has also expanded its product offering. A full line of oxygen sensors was released this fall. Autolite wire and cable was also introduced earlier this year. Products included PowerSeal wire sets, battery cable, primary wire, tools and accessories.

On Sept. 18, 1985, Allied merged with Signal to form Allied-Signal Inc. Allied's charman and chief executive officer said the merger would "add massive new strengths to our core business".