"Our Roots Run Deep and Strong"

The beginning starts in March 1928 when Mr. Harlow Wickert, Mr. Harry C. Dietz and Mr. Paul Peters founded Automotive Supply Company. The original store was started in a vacated hardware store at 128 N. Appleton Street in Appleton. The 23’ x 70’ building was set up as an independent parts distribution center which sold items such as Model T Radiators from McCord Gasket Co., McQuay Norris Engine Parts, Acme Lacquer Paints and 24 count wooden crates of Model T pistons from Spencer Smith Company. Delivery runs were quickly added using a 1928 Ford pickup truck. During the ensuing years, the company moved from its original site to Harris Street to 300 N. Appleton Street and finally in September of 1968 to the present building which was constructed and occupied at 123 S. Linwood Avenue in Appleton.

Though not all endeavors of the old company were successful (Standard Auto Parts, ARC Master Welding and others all operated as separately held companies for short periods) the growth of the auto parts business necessitated the opening of additional outlets. The first branch store for Automotive Supply opened in Oshkosh in 1931. Soon to follow were operations in Waupaca, Neenah and the others, until numerous branches were operating by the early 1950's.

Automotive Products Company was founded in 1935 by Mr. William F. Sorensen at 631 First Street, Menominee, Michigan (present site of Bay Precision Company). From that building an independent auto parts distribution center sold products, United Motors Engine Parts and Firestone Tires. As the business progressed, delivery service was added with the use of a 1939 Terraplaine. In 1956, the business relocated to its present site on First Street in Menominee, Michigan.

The Oconto store for Automotive Products Company opened on Main Street in 1949; it then later relocated to it’s present location.

On April 1, 1983, United Construction and Realty, Inc. (shareholder being Case W. Wererka, Warren Dietz and Russell Dietz) purchased the assets of Automotive Supply Company. The new company grew from the beginning with the building and opening of two new stores within the first 2 ½ years - Oshkosh in September 1983 and Green Bay in October 1985. These new stores are geared toward both the traditional professional customer and the newer retail customer. In size comparison, over six and one half of the original 1928 Appleton Street stores could fit inside of the Green Bay location alone.

By June 1986, expansion again took place through the acquisition of the assets of Automotive Products Company. At the time, Automotive Supply and Automotive Products became a single team under the heading of Mr. Automotive of America.

Today we use the name "AUTOMOTIVE SUPPLY COMPANY" throughout our system and identify with Federated Auto Parts, a nation wide buying group.  Federated gives us a national advertising plan, recognition and a national buying group from competitive purchasing power.  Automotive Supply Company is a name our local customers have identified with for many years.