About Us

Who We Are

A Leading Parts Manufacturer for the After market

Innovation and creativity are the forces that drive WAI’s success. Since its founding, WAI has worked relentlessly to meet the ever-changing needs of its customers in the automotive, heavy duty, agricultural & industrial, and power sports aftermarket. This includes an unwavering commitment to be “first-to-market” with the latest model products available. As a leading manufacturer, sourcing, and distribution/logistics company, WAI offers its customers ready access to an extensive range of products including:

  • 100% new alternators, starters and their components
  • Voltage regulators, rectifiers, solenoids, starter drives & test equipment.
  • 100% new ignition distributors.
  • Ignition modules and coils.
  • Manifold Air Pressure (MAP) and Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensors.
  • 100% new wiper motors.
  • Engine management components.

A DOMINANT GLOBAL PRESENCE

Consistently meeting the parts needs of the, more than 105 countries to which WAI sells, requires world-class parts manufacturing facilities and a robust distribution network. WAI operates in 14 countries including the United States, Canada, Brazil, Europe and China. This network operates with exceptional precision under one united goal – to provide customers with the products they need, when they need them.

Our History

2015

Opened new warehouses in Poland and UK.

2011-2014

Acquired Sovereign in United Kingdom Acquired RCP in Canada Opened distributions center in Montreal.

2010

Opened a 64k sq. ft. distribution center in Los Angeles Established WAI Brazil, expanding Latin America distribution Acquired Lester Catalog Company increasing the WAI catalog and web service offerings Acquired Dorman Products ignition distributor division, expanding products and customers served

2009

Expanded product line offering ignition distributors and engine management products to the automotive aftermarket

2007

Opened a 270k sq. ft. distribution center in Memphis

Merged with Auto Electric Suppliers (AES) and Marine Electric Suppliers (MES), greatly increasing complete alternator and starter product offerings, including marine, powersports and outdoor power equipment

2006

Opened WAI–Europe in Amsterdam, further expanding distribution in Europe

2005

Acquired SWS, further expanding Canadian distribution

2004

Acquired Cyma, establishing distribution in Canada

Acquired Transpo Electronics in Orlando, Florida; Hannover, Germany and Shanghai, China, greatly expanding electronics manufacturing and global distribution

1999

Acquired Semicon in San Jose, Costa Rica, expanding electronics manufacturing to include voltage regulators

1998

Acquired Renard Manufacturing in Miami, Florida, establishing rectifier / electronics manufacturing

Expanded distribution network, product line and services offered to the auto electrical rebuilding marketplace

1980

Established distribution centers

1978

Company founded by Richard Wetherill with 34 employees

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