This year, Gates marks 100 years of ­innovation and service, and celebrates its position as a world leader in engineering, manufacturing, marketing and distribution of industrial and automotive belt and hose products, systems, components and services. When Charles Gates Sr. bought The Colorado Tire and Leather Company in 1911, little did he know his small shop in Denver, CO, would evolve into one of the world’s largest manufacturing enterprises.

Gates Corporation, formerly known as The Gates Rubber Company, has charted a global course that has seen the company expand into 29 countries around the world. Its success is attributed to the commitment and passion of many, including its ­employees, customers, suppliers and the communities in which it operates.

Jim Nicol, chairman of Gates and CEO of Tomkins Ltd., Gates’ parent company, stated, “Customer service and innovation have been the hallmarks of Gates in our first 100 years. As our company expands globally, these hallmarks of customer service and innovation continue to enhance the value of the Gates brand. We are delighted to celebrate this milestone — and a legacy few companies ever realize — with our employees and customers around the world, and we look forward to even greater success over our next 100 years.”

To learn more about Gates and its global centennial events, visit www.gates.com/100.