PAID: Dayco: Transforming the Industry with 120 Years of Innovation

On May 17, 1905, a dream was born in Dayton, OH. The Dayton Rubber Manufacturing Company (DRMC) opened its doors, marking the beginning of a long journey that has helped shape the future of automotive engineering and innovation. And while it started with simple rubber goods, it has grown in size, scale and technology, and transformed into a global powerhouse now known all around the world as Dayco Incorporated.

This year, our team proudly celebrates 120 years of innovation – 120 years of helping drivers arrive safely at each destination, providing technicians with parts they can trust, and supporting channel partners with reliable products and superior resources, training and customer service.

A Long Line of Firsts

Over the decades, Dayco has introduced groundbreaking technologies that have shaped the automotive industry and powered progress worldwide. For instance, Dayco introduced its V-belt in 1921. Its appearance and performance were different than competitive products but its design was so precise that the Dayco V-belt has been made continuously since then with alterations only in materials.

Dayco was also first to launch the poly-V serpentine belt and the patented flat spring tensioner – both of which helped facilitate major advancements for the front engine drive system.

With products for automotive, heavy-duty, industrial, powersports and racing applications, customers have come to rely on Dayco to improve installation, enhance engine or machine performance and maximize uptime. Dayco is known for reliable, premium front-end drive system solutions, including timing chain kits, serpentine belt kits, timing belt kits, tensioners, pulleys, water pumps, balancers, belts and more. 

Every product that carries the Dayco name is backed by hundreds of hours of testing and development, quality control, and real-world engineering – as well as some of the industry’s best warranties and training. Our parts are found on millions of vehicles around the world.

OEM Quality Drives Aftermarket Excellence

As vehicles have become more complex, Dayco has stayed ahead of the curve. From internal combustion engines to mild hybrids and full electric powertrains, we continue to engineer products that meet the demands of modern mobility. Since inception, we’ve been collaborating with OE customers, developing advanced belt and chain drive solutions that optimize efficiency and minimize emissions. Our expertise has grown beyond the automobile’s internal combustion engine to also include hybrid and EV vehicles, industrial machines, race cars, electric bikes and more.

This type of collaboration extends into the aftermarket so we can bring to life new and more effective solutions for the vehicles and drivers of tomorrow, keeping the world running with products that meet ever-changing OE quality standards.

System Solutions at Our Core

We’ve come a long way in the last 120 years, and our knowledge and expertise have led us to the importance of system solutions. Effective maintenance and regular replacement of front-end drive system components all at once are critical to vehicle performance and longevity. Dayco offers hundreds of kit options, providing the industry with integrated system solutions that ensure precise fit, optimal tension, and synchronized operation. Using kits – whether for the front-end drive system, the timing chain assembly or the timing belt and its surrounding components – minimizes wear issues and prevents costly breakdowns. By addressing the entire system rather than individual parts, Dayco is helping repair shops deliver long-term reliability, reduce comebacks and improve customer satisfaction.

A Legacy Built on Relationships

While we may be known for propelling movement, one thing that hasn’t changed is our focus on relationships. Dayco has collaborative partnerships with suppliers, industry organizations and channel partners, which have enabled transparency, agility and consistent quality. These relationships have ultimately helped the company navigate multiple global challenges, technological shifts and evolving consumer demands. By investing in these connections, Dayco has strengthened its operational resilience as well as gained a competitive edge.

It’s part of what’s kept the company moving forward these past 120 years—and what will keep it moving for 120 more.

As we celebrate this remarkable journey, we thank our employees, partners and customers for their trust and support. Together, we look forward to driving innovation and excellence for many years to come.

To learn more, visit Dayco.com.