U.S. AutoForce acquires Tire's Warehouse

APPLETON, Wis. — Tire and auto parts wholesaler U.S. AutoForce has acquired Tire's Warehouse Inc., expanding its reach further westward into Arizona, California and Nevada.

Terms of the deal, which covers TWI's eight warehouses in California and Nevada, were not disclosed. U.S. Autoforce is a division of U.S. Venture Inc.

The organizations expect their combined forces "to make for the most impactful distributor in the country," U.S. Autoforce said.

TWI and U.S. AutoForce have been partners the past three years, collaborating on expanding U.S. AutoForce's Tire One dealer marketing program into TWI's distribution territory.

Corona-based TWI and U.S. AutoForce of Appleton, Wis., said the partnership was formed "to share ideas and best practices that address the ever-changing market conditions — with the ultimate goal to better serve their respective customers."

According to independent resources, U.S. Autoforce is the fifth largest wholesale tire distributor in the U.S., following the recent spate of consolidations involving Bridgestone Americas, Goodyear, Michelin North America and TBC Corp.

U.S. AutoForce will retain Tire's Warehouse's 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," U.S. AutoForce President Pat Hietpas said.

"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 operated as family-owned 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," TWI President Dan King said.

"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."

TWI is in the process of opening its eighth warehouse, a 122,000-sq.-ft. distribution center in Fresno, Calif., that's intended to bridge the gap between TWI's southern and northern California branches.

Similarly, U.S. Venture has been family-owned since its inception in 1951, and is one of the largest privately held companies in Wisconsin today. U.S. Venture is a distributor of petroleum and renewable energy products, lubricants, and tires and parts for the automotive aftermarket.

U.S. AutoForce operates 24 warehouse distribution centers in 10 states — Florida, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, South Dakota, Texas and Wisconsin.

AutoForce last expanded in 2017, acquiring the assets of Wellborn Tire Group, a San Antonio, Texas-based wholesale tire business.

Prior to that it bought Miami-based distributor South Dade Automotive Inc. in 2015, expanding its reach into the Florida and export markets.