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Our History
Interstate Batteries® Through the Years
Since 1952, we have been evoking our compassionate, trustworthy spirit into our surrounding communities. With a history as rich as our brand, we have continually earned the trust of professionals through our ongoing devotion to quality and service. Our commitment holds steadfast to making a positive impact on our customers, team members and partners, now and for generations to come.
1952
Interstate Battery System is founded when John Searcy begins shipping batteries to accounts in Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi.
1963
A decision is made to drop the "A" in IBSA from advertising, and the IBS Interstate Battery System shield logo is introduced.
1 Million Batteries Sold
1976
We sell 1 million batteries in a single year. To celebrate, we present team members with a commemorative thank you mug—a tradition we've adopted for every million batteries we sell.
1978
Interstate® founder John Searcy retires, and Norm Miller becomes President and Chairman of the Board.
1982
Our first advertising campaign launches on the Paul Harvey radio show—putting us on the map by linking a relatively unknown brand with an internationally known andrespected personality.
1983
Interstate® creates The Great American Race, a two-week, cross-country vintage car race with $250K in prize moneyand a one-hour special on ESPN. We sponsored the race for13 years (1983-1996).
First National TV Commercial
1985
Interstate® launches “Start,” our very first national TV advertisement.
1987
Consumer Reports declares the Interstate® Mega-Tron® the highest rated of all batteries tested.
1989
We go international with our first distributorship in Canada.
1990
The Interstate® Chaplaincy Team is established and begins international mission trips to provide support to countries in need.
1991
Interstate Batteries® becomes the founding sponsor ofJoe Gibbs Racing and begins one of the longest-running alliances in professional sports.
1993
Dale Jarrett, Joe Gibbs Racing and Interstate Batteries® celebrate their first NASCAR Cup Series win at the Daytona 500.
100 millionth battery sold
1994
Interstate® sells its 100 millionth battery to date.
2000
Our first Interstate All Battery Center® franchise opens to fill consumer and local business needs for portable power—from hearing aid batteries to industrial equipment batteries.
2007
Our lead recycling subsidiary, Interstate Batteries® Recycling (IBR), starts as the Lead Management Team (LMT). We recycle one million pounds of lead after just one month.
2008
Interstate Batteries® registers the trademark phrase Outrageously Dependable®.
Scott Miller becomes CEO
2013
Scott Miller becomes President and CEO of Interstate Batteries®. Norm Miller continues to serve as Chairman of the Board.
2014
Interstate® codifies its culture by defining our company's Purpose & Values.
2019
Interstate® recycles 10 billion pounds of lead to date.
2020
Interstate® recycles 1 billion pounds of lead in a single year. If you lined up all the batteries we recycled thus far—they could wrap the Earth 2.5 times.
500 MILLION BATTERIES SOLD
2021
We sell 19 million batteries in a single year. Interstate® sells its 500 millionth battery to date.