DENVER -- When Charles Gates Sr. bought The Colorado Tire and Leather Co. in 1911, little did he know his small shop in Denver, Colo., would evolve into one of the world’s largest manufacturing enterprises.

In 2011, 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.

Formerly known as The Gates Rubber Co., Gates Corp. has charted a global course that has seen the company expand into 29 countries around the world. The company said it attributes its success to the commitment and passion of many -- including employees, customers, suppliers and the communities in which Gates operates.

Gates says it continues to power progress today by delivering innovative solutions that help support customers in markets in nearly every country in the world, from industrial and automotive original equipment manufacturers and replacement markets to agriculture, transportation, mining, oil and gas, construction, food processing and many others. The company focuses on driving innovation in power transmission, fluid power and fluid transfer, green technologies, energy management and resource extraction and delivery.

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.”

More than 100 Gates manufacturing, distribution, technical and sales/service facilities around the world will celebrate the company's centennial milestone with events and activities throughout the year. A special website has been created with more details about Gates and its global centennial events.