• Incorporated as a Manufacturer's representative in 1978 with 34 employees
• In 1980 began distributing WAI product
• Built corporate Headquarters near Philadelphia, PA in 1995
• Opened distribution centers in Los Angeles, Illinois, Atlanta and Dallas between 1986 - 1990.
• Acquired Renard Manufacturing in Miami, Florida in 1998
• Acquired Semicon Plant in San Jose, Costa Rica in 1999.
• Developed WRS Distribution Network 2000 to 2005
• Acquired Transpo in Orlando, Florida, including Europe and Shanghai in 2004
• Acquired Cyma in Canada in 2004
• Opened WAI Europe in 2006
• Opened 200k sq. ft. distribution center in Memphis in 2007
• Acquired Auto Electric Suppliers 2007
• Acquired MES
• Acquired NPC 2008

Corporate History

WAIglobal was founded in 1978 by Richard Wetherill, a career management consultant and author, and a group of his research associates. Their goal was to bring a fresh approach to the automotive aftermarket. A humble beginning with 34 employees, WAIglobal was initially a telephone sales organization, specializing in the automotive products as commissioned manufacturers' representatives. The business rapidly gained a loyal customer base. In 1980, barely 2 years later the company made it's first major strategic shift to better serve it's customers by getting into product supply and opening its first distribution center. This major step forward allowed WAIglobal to provide product faster, and to be more responsive to customer requirements. These two strategic competencies remain key company priorities to this day.

Growth

The 1980's proved to be a period of significant growth for WAIglobal. Building on the success of their new distribution business model, the company made the next strategic shift in business strategy and ventured into light assembly and manufacturing. The first product lines released at the time were Alternators, Starters, Heavy Duty Rotors and Heavy Duty Solenoids. Rooted in a commitment to customer's service, entering manufacturing meant developing sophisticated technical and quality service departments to ensure customer satisfaction. By 1985, the company had built a strong reputation for the quality of its products while retaining its reputation for commitment to its customers. From 1985 to 1990 WAIglobal focused on developing a strong distribution support network for the local electrical rebuilders across the country to make the right products available when they were needed.

In 1998 the company entered a new phase of growth through acquisition. The chart on the left reflects our tremendous growth by our can do attitude.

About Us

Today, 31 years after starting as a small manufacturer representative company, WAIglobal is a worldwide distributor of rotating electrical complete units and components servicing customers around the globe. There are still many ties to our original roots, including our President and CEO Jeff Sween who was one of the original sales representatives when the company was founded in 1978. Despite all the changes our industry goes through, our company remains focused on continually looking for ways to better service our customers and be more responsive to their needs.