# WAI Global

> WAI Global is a privately held manufacturer and distributor of 100% new electrical and engine-management replacement parts for automotive, heavy-duty, agricultural, industrial, marine and powersports applications. Founded in 1978 as Wetherill Associates, the company competes through broad catalog coverage, fast release of late-model applications, in-house Transpo electronics expertise and a distribution network serving professional aftermarket customers around the world.

- **Founded:** 1978
- **Headquarters:** Miramar, United States
- **Founders:** Marie Bothe (Co-founder and former owner), Edith Gripon (Co-founder)
- **Team size:** Approximately 450 employees according to the supplied company record; older public material described more than 1,000 employees after the 2004 Transpo acquisition, so current consolidated headcount is not publicly clear.
- **Products:** Starters and alternators, Transpo electronic components, Engine-management products, Wiper, window and door systems, Online catalog and order management
- **Notable:** Grew from a two-founder manufacturer's representative business in 1978 into a global aftermarket manufacturer and distributor., Acquired Transpo Electronics in 2004, creating a broader full-line electrical aftermarket supplier with electronics design and manufacturing capability., Reported serving more than 7,500 customers in 106 countries through 14 distribution centers in 2016.

## Products & services

- **Starters and alternators** — 100% new rotating-electrical units for automotive, heavy-duty, agricultural, industrial, marine and powersports applications, sold without core handling.
- **Transpo electronic components** — Voltage regulators, rectifiers, ignition modules, sensors, solenoids and related electronic components supported by WAI's 2004 acquisition of Transpo Electronics.
- **Engine-management products** — Ignition coils, distributors, MAF and MAP sensors and other control components for vehicle repair applications.
- **Wiper, window and door systems** — Wiper motors and linkages, window motors and regulators, washer pumps, transfer-case motors and door components; the range expanded through the ACI Automotive acquisition.
- **Online catalog and order management** — Application lookup, cross references, product information, ordering, back-order management and returns for trade customers.
- **Testing and technical support** — Product validation including endurance, humidity, thermal cycling, vibration, salt spray and thermal shock, plus application and technical data for professional customers.

## Achievements

- Grew from a two-founder manufacturer's representative business in 1978 into a global aftermarket manufacturer and distributor.
- Acquired Transpo Electronics in 2004, creating a broader full-line electrical aftermarket supplier with electronics design and manufacturing capability.
- Reported serving more than 7,500 customers in 106 countries through 14 distribution centers in 2016.
- Built an automotive rotating-electrical range advertised with more than 1,300 starter and 1,200 alternator part numbers in Europe.
- Reported more than two million agricultural and industrial starter and alternator units sold over a ten-year period in a product brochure.
- Acquired Pos Service Holland in December 2024 to expand European distribution and rotating-electrical expertise.
- Acquired ACI Automotive from Standard Motor Products in January 2025, expanding washer-pump, window-regulator and door-component coverage.
- Introduced 354 new part numbers covering more than 110 million vehicles during 2025, according to a 2026 company release.
- Expanded first-quarter 2026 coverage with 131 new part numbers reaching more than 27 million North American vehicles.
- Expanded its Memphis-area U.S. distribution capacity by 75,000 square feet in 2026, according to the company's LinkedIn updates.

## Latest updates

- **2026-07** — WAI said it had expanded operational capacity at its U.S. distribution center in the Memphis area by 75,000 square feet.
- **2026-05** — A May new-parts release added 48 references supporting more than 17.7 million vehicles across automotive and non-automotive applications.
- **2026-04** — The company announced 131 first-quarter part numbers spanning rotating electrical and engine management, covering more than 27 million North American vehicles.
- **2026-06** — WAI launched a redesigned global website and upgraded trade account functions for ordering, back orders and returns.
- **2026-02** — WAI reported 130 fourth-quarter 2025 part numbers and 354 releases for full-year 2025, with annual vehicle coverage above 110 million.
- **2025-10** — PSH Poland changed its name to WAI PL, an integration step following WAI's December 2024 acquisition of PSH.
- **2025-08** — WAI described progress integrating PSH facilities, distribution networks and product portfolios across Europe.
- **2025-01** — WAI acquired ACI Automotive from Standard Motor Products, adding washer pumps, window regulators and door components.

## Links

- Website: https://waiglobal.com
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/waiglobal
- Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/waiglobal1
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/pages/WAIGlobal/127154460680237

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Profile page: https://yespress.io/wai-global
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-08-13