Company Website

Research This Company

	About Us
	Corporate Office

WAIglobal was founded in 1978 by Richard Wetherill, a career management consultant and author. The goal was to bring a fresh approach to the automotive aftermarket. A humble beginning with 34 employees, WAIglobal started as a telephone sales organization, specializing in the automotive products. The business rapidly gained a loyal customer base. In 1980, barely 2 years later the company made its first major strategic shift to better serve its customers by 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.

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 of rotating electrical complete units (alternators and starters) and solenoids. Rooted in a commitment to customer 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 strong US distribution for the local electrical rebuilders across the country to make the right products available when they were needed.

In 1998, WAIglobal expanded its manufacturing capability by acquiring Renard Manufacturing, a manufacturer of rectifiers and supplier to both OE and aftermarket customers. WAIglobal added to its electronics manufacturing portfolio in 1999 by acquiring Semicon , a manufacturer of voltage regulators. In 2004, WAIglobal crowned its electronics manufacturing capabilities by acquiring Transpo Electronics. Transpo is the worldwide leader in rectifiers, regulators, ignition modules and other automotive electronic devices with manufacturing in Shanghai China and worldwide distribution in China and Europe (Germany). Also in 2004, WAI established distribution in Canada in both Toronto and Montreal via acquisitions. In 2006, WAI established additional distribution in the Netherlands to further expand the distribution of WAIglobal products, including the WPS brand of complete alternators and starters, to its European customer base.

In 2007, WAIGlobal merged with AES and MES which added to WAIglobal worldwide supply chain management capabilities, including extensive expansion of complete alternator and starter product offerings including marine, motorcycle, lawn and garden and powersports (ATV, personal watercraft, outdoor power equipment).
 Incorporated as a Manufacturer’s Representative in 1978
 Established distribution in 1980
 Acquired Renard Manufacturing in Miami, Florida in 1998
 Acquired Semicon in San Jose,Costa Rica in 1999.
 Acquired Transpo Electronics in 2004
 Established distribution in Canada in 2004
 Opened WAI – Europe in 2006
 Opened 250,000 sq. ft. global distribution center in Memphis in 2007
 Merged with Auto Electric Suppliers (AES) and Marine Electric Suppliers (MES) in 2007

Today

WAIglobal continues to build on and utilize its extensive worldwide distribution network and manufacturing capability, mature supply chain network and new product development infrastructure to continually bring to market the latest model rotating electrical complete alternators, starters and components. In addition, WAIglobal is now offering many product lines outside of rotating electrical to the automotive and heavy duty aftermarket. These products include engine management components (ignition modules, MAP(manifold absolute pressure sensors), MAF (Mass air flow sensors), ignition distributors and wiper motors.

Many years after starting as a small manufacturer representative company, WAIglobal remains a leader in the automotive and heavy duty aftermarket with a continually growing worldwide presence and product offering 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. WAIglobal continues to adapt the quickly changing aftermarket to offer its products and services where and when our customers need them.

Jobs at Wetherill Associates, Inc.:

See All Jobs (4)