- Great American Business Leaders of the Twentieth Century
Francis B. Davis Jr.
United States Rubber Company
1929 - 1942
Chemicals & Industrial
b. 1883
| Education |  |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate | Yale University |
| Personal | |
|---|---|
| Born-Died | 1883 - 1962 |
| Birthplace | New York (NY) |
| Race | White |
In 1928, United States Rubber lost $10 million due to the collapse of the world crude rubber market. Taking over the helm in 1929, Davis reorganized the company, putting in place a multi-divisional organizational structure. Davis reduced the company’s debt by $40 million in five years, and in 1935, United States Rubber gained a profit of $2 million. Davis introduced Kaylon, a foam rubber cushion material, in 1934, and in 1938, Davis developed a rayon cord to be used in tire production.