Weld Wheels Gets New Lease on Life · 10/08/2006
For everyone who was wondering what would become of Weld Wheel Industries, the troubled Kansas City-based maker of racing and aftermarket wheels, the answer has come. On September 29, American Racing Equipment announced that it was acquiring “substantially all of the assets” of Weld—and that it would continue to make forged wheels in Kansas City under the Weld brand.
“Weld Wheels are among the most well known brands in the aftermarket and race wheel industries,” said Bob Swelgin, CEO of American Racing Equipment. “We are committed to ensuring the financial and operational stability of Weld, and providing customers with the highest level of service and quality products.”
For racing and aftermarket automotive customers alike, this comes as good news. Weld Wheels is known particularly “for its forged wheel manufacturing process, which produces high-performance, premium wheels that are significantly lighter and stronger than cast wheels,” according to a statement by American Racing Equipment. “They are high-end wheel makers, and their main focus is on technology and quality,” wrote consultants Frost & Sullivan in a recent report on aftermarket wheel manufacturers.
According to an August 29 letter from Greg Weld posted on the company’s web site, Weld is still planning to attend the 2006 SEMA show, which runs from October 31 to November 3 in Las Vegas. “The newest Weld line called Rod and Custom will be on display,” wrote Weld in the letter, along with the “Motorsports, Motorcycle, E III Concept, Weld Racing, and EVO lines.” Should be good.
— Rim & Tire Wholesalers
