The landscape for U.S. tire distribution continues to change, as two more companies are combining forces. U.S. AutoForce (USAF) has acquired Tire's Warehouse Inc. (TWI) as of June 1, 2018.
U.S. AutoForce is a division of U.S. Venture Inc., and the company says as part of a "unique strategy," it will retain the Tire’s Warehouse name, company structure, employees and ways of business "for the foreseeable future."
“We are excited by the opportunity to combine the TWI and USAF families,” says Pat Hietpas, president of U.S. AutoForce. “Their expansion up and down the West Coast is impressive, and their reputation for outstanding customer service and strong company culture falls directly in line with both our business strategy and values. We’re confident this venture will give our customers an even bigger competitive edge.”
Tire’s Warehouse was established in 1969 by the Helmle family and has continued to operate as a family-owned business ever since.
“After more than 50 years of business and continued growth, Tire’s Warehouse is extremely proud of the level of service our customers have come to expect from us,” says Dan King, president of TWI. “This acquisition will give us access to new resources, brands and channels and our valued dealer network will only experience the positive effects of this transition. We plan to not only maintain those expectations, but build on them further.”
U.S. Venture also has remained family-owned since its inception in 1951, and the company is one of the largest, privately-held companies in Wisconsin. U.S. Venture distributes petroleum and renewable energy products, lubricants, and tires and parts for the automotive aftermarket.
The merger is the latest twist in tire distribution in the U.S. this year. First it was the joint venture between Michelin North America Inc. and Sumitomo Corporation of Americas. Next came TireHub, the combination of distribution systems for Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. and Bridgestone Americas Inc. Those changes have shined a new spotlight on the nation's largest tire distributor, American Tire Distributors Inc.
