Lafayette Warehouse, Inc. has joined forces with Auto-Wares Group of Companies. Like Auto-Wares, Lafayette Warehouse, Inc. (LWI) is built on long-lasting relationships with customers, employees, and suppliers that have grown their businesses.
Mike Brown, will lead Lafayette Warehouse as General Manager. Pat James and the current location managers will continue to lead the Lafayette Warehouse location teams going into the future.
The Lafayette Warehouse customers will be introduced to the Alliance exclusive brands and the Auto Value Parts Store and Certified Service Center programs. In addition to increased inventory and improved Indiana logistics, this acquisition will make full-line AC Delco and Mopar Original Equipment lines available to all Auto-Wares customers in the coming months.
Lafayette Warehouse has four large locations that will improve Auto-Wares logistics in Northwest and Central Indiana regions:
- Lafayette Auto Supply Distribution Center | 1501 Kepner Dr., Lafayette, IN 47905
- Lafayette Auto Supply | 118 S. 4th Street, Lafayette, IN 47901
- Kokomo Auto Supply | 1299 Home Ave., Kokomo, IN 46902
- NWI Auto Supply | 755 E. 82nd Ave., Merrillville, IN 46410
Pat James, President of Lafayette Warehouse, Inc., states “First and foremost we want to thank our employees and customers for the success we have had over the past 96 years. We could not have done it without all their support. Auto-Wares presented an opportunity for our legacy to continue by offering great opportunities for our current employees and customers. We also would like to thank Auto-Wares for choosing us to be their next partner.”
Todd Leimenstoll, CEO of Auto-Wares commented, “All of us at Auto-Wares are excited to have Lafayette Warehouse team join the Auto-Wares Group of Companies. Lafayette Warehouse has a very successful history and tremendous reputation. I am thankful for the trust that Pat James and the James family have placed in us. We look forward to the next chapter in growing the company.”
About Lafayette Warehouse, Inc.
Lafayette Auto Supply, founded by the late Paul James, first opened its doors in 1928. He began by selling tire repair supplies out of a Ford Model T. As the company grew, it opened its current location at 118 S. 4th Street in 1944. In 1960, Lafayette Auto Supply decided to expand its portfolio into small engine parts and opened Lafayette Warehouse, Inc. Then in 1973, Lafayette Warehouse, Inc. (LWI) moved into its current location at 115 S. 3rd Street. LWI continued to grow its Automotive Division by establishing Kokomo Auto Supply in Kokomo, IN (1999), NWI Auto Supply in Merrillville, IN (2003) and Lafayette Auto Supply Distribution Center (2015). December 2021, LWI shifted their business concentration to focus on the ever-growing OEM and aftermarket auto parts division ending their small engine business after 60 years of uninterrupted service to their customers. www.lascolwi.com
About Auto-Wares Group of Companies
Auto-Wares Group of Companies is an aftermarket automotive Distribution Company headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan, serving the Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, and Wisconsin markets. Auto-Wares Group of Companies is a member of the Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance. The Alliance and Auto-Wares pride themselves on responding to the individual automotive needs of each customer. Service is the Difference. We Get It! www.autowares.com
Congrats! This is so exciting. Way to go Auto-Wares team!