2010 Opened a 64k sq. ft. distribution center in Los Angeles Established WAIglobal Brazil, expanding Latin America distribution Acquired Lester Catalog Company increasing the WAIglobal catalog and web service offerings Acquired Dorman Products ignition distributor division, expanding products and customers served 2009 Expanded product line offering ignition distributors and engine management products to the automotive aftermarket 2007 Opened a 270k sq. ft. distribution center in Memphis Merged with Auto Electric Suppliers (AES) and Marine Electric Suppliers (MES), greatly increasing complete alternator and starter product offerings, including marine, powersports and outdoor power equipment 2006 Opened WAI–Europe in Amsterdam, further expanding distribution in Europe 2005 Acquired SWS, further expanding Canadian distribution Acquired Transpo Electronics in Orlando, Florida; Hannover, Germany and Shanghai, China, greatly expanding electronics manufacturing and global distribution 2004 Acquired Cyma, establishing distribution in Canada 1999 Acquired Semicon in San Jose, Costa Rica, expanding electronics manufacturing to include voltage regulators 1998 Acquired Renard Manufacturing in Miami, Florida, establishing rectifier / electronics manufacturing Expanded distribution network, product line and services offered to the auto electrical rebuilding marketplace 1980 Established distribution centers 1978 Company founded by Richard Wetherill with 34 employees