Hercules tires are made by Hercules Tire and Rubber Company, a brand owned by American Tire Distributors and manufactured in partnership with Cooper Tire, now part of Goodyear.
The Hercules name is known for offering wide dealer availability and dependable value pricing on passenger, light truck, and commercial tires.
Hercules Tire and Rubber Company is a wholly owned subsidiary of American Tire Distributors, headquartered in Findlay, Ohio, with production handled through Cooper Tire, which Goodyear acquired in 2021.
Knowing who actually builds a Hercules tire helps drivers understand the quality standards and warranty support behind an affordable purchase.
This guide covers who owns the Hercules brand, where the tires are manufactured, how the company started, and how Hercules stacks up against its sister brand Ironman.
So let’s get started.
Quick Answer: Hercules tires are made by the Hercules Tire and Rubber Company, a subsidiary of American Tire Distributors. Production has been handled by Cooper Tire since the 1960s, and Cooper is now owned by Goodyear following its 2021 acquisition. Most Hercules tires are built in Findlay, Ohio.
Table of Contents
Who Makes Hercules Tires and Who Owns the Brand?
The Hercules brand is owned by American Tire Distributors, often shortened to ATD, one of the largest independent tire suppliers in North America. You can review current Hercules tire lines directly on the Hercules Tires official website.
ATD acquired Hercules Tire and Rubber Company in 2014, folding it into a portfolio that also includes Ironman and Dynatrac.
While ATD owns the brand and controls design and marketing, it does not operate its own tire factories.
Instead, actual production is handled through a long running partnership with Cooper Tire and Rubber Company.
Where Are Hercules Tires Manufactured?
Most Hercules tires are produced at Cooper Tire facilities in Findlay, Ohio, the same city where Hercules keeps its corporate headquarters.
Cooper Tire has been part of Goodyear since June 2021, when Goodyear completed a roughly 2.8 billion dollar acquisition covered by Wikipedia’s Cooper Tire entry.
Some Hercules models are sourced from additional manufacturing partners outside the United States to fill out specific size ranges.
Regardless of the plant, every Hercules tire must pass the same design and quality checks set by the Hercules engineering team.
What Is the History of Hercules Tire and Rubber Company?
Hercules Tire and Rubber Company was founded in 1952 by a group of independent tire dealers in the northeastern United States.
In the 1960s the brand partnered with Cooper Tire for manufacturing, a relationship that has continued for more than six decades.
American Tire Distributors purchased Hercules in 2014, giving the brand a stronger national distribution network.
Today Hercules markets itself around a Performance Promise warranty that bundles road hazard coverage into the price of the tire.
How Does Hercules Compare to Ironman Tires?
Hercules and Ironman are sister brands, both owned by American Tire Distributors through Hercules Tire and Rubber Company.
Hercules leans on its Cooper manufacturing relationship and its Performance Promise warranty to appeal to drivers who want US made options.
Ironman is positioned as the more budget focused of the two, with a larger share of its lineup sourced from third party overseas factories.
Drivers who want a slightly more premium feel and stronger warranty terms tend to choose Hercules, while pure budget shoppers often lean toward Ironman.
Are Hercules Tires a Good Value for Everyday Drivers?
Hercules tires are generally considered a strong value option for commuters, work trucks, and RVs that need dependable tread life.
Treadwear warranties on Hercules passenger and light truck lines typically range from 45,000 to 80,000 miles depending on the model.
Because production runs through Cooper facilities, quality control tends to be more consistent than many pure private label competitors.
Drivers should still match the specific Hercules model to their vehicle and climate, since performance varies across the lineup.
Where Can You Buy Hercules Tires?
Hercules tires are sold through independent tire dealers across the United States and Canada, supported by ATD’s distribution network.
The Hercules website includes a dealer locator tool that helps drivers find an authorized seller near them.
Several online tire retailers also stock Hercules models and coordinate shipping to a local installer.
For drivers comparing value brands, it also helps to see how other ATD owned tires stack up, including Who Makes Ironman Tires and how Cooper’s own lineup performs in Where Are Cooper Tires Made.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hercules Tires
Is Hercules a Cooper tire?
Hercules is a separate brand owned by American Tire Distributors, but Cooper Tire has manufactured most Hercules tires since the 1960s.
Are Hercules tires made in the USA?
Many Hercules models are built in Findlay, Ohio at Cooper facilities, though some sizes come from additional manufacturing partners.
Who owns Hercules Tire and Rubber Company?
American Tire Distributors has owned Hercules Tire and Rubber Company since 2014.
Is Hercules a good tire brand?
Hercules is well regarded in the value segment, with solid warranties and manufacturing backed by Cooper Tire’s decades of experience.
I am Jack Neel, a mechanical engineer, researcher, and writer. I created this website to share my knowledge about different brands and products with you. I research the manufacturers behind the brands and provide you with the information you need to make smart buying decisions.