These were the booming years of auto growth - a perfect place for a company that was getting recognized for its tire equipment. In the 1970’s, the factory floor was filled to capacity with Post Cure Inflators, a machine that allowed a tire to cool while inflated, which kept its internal integrity and set the heat memory of the man-made fibers in the tire. At the time, PCI’s were placed behind almost every tire press. (Like other products, many PCI's were retired; however, as of late there is a need and demand for them once again.)
Also during these years, Firwood gained a reputation for building White Sidewall Grinders. Firwood's Grinders were unique due to their sturdy frames and locking chucks which had a 100PSI specification. When checked in 2009, the first one ever made was still running full- time.
The next couple of decades were influenced by Steve Ericson, Merrill's youngest son. Steve, a design engineer, developed the automotive and special machinery side of Firwood and continued to upgrade the tire equipment for which the company was known. During this period, Firwood built equipment for GM, Ford, ITT, Williams International, American Hoffmann and Hines Balancing. Firwood also designed and built heat treat, injection molding, and eddy current machines.
In 2003, Firwood became part of the Poling Group, and changed its name to Firwood~ASM. This was a positive move for both companies because Akron Special Machine, a division of the Poling Group, is known for its Tire Uniformity Machines and Firwood is known for its White Sidewall Grinders. Both of these machines are in the final finish line of a tire production plant. As a result of this merger, a customer can purchase and maintain all its finishing equipment from one vendor.
