GREENWOOD VILLAGE, CO—Wheel Pros, a distributor of branded automotive aftermarket wheels, recently announced plans to establish new U.S. manufacturing and distribution operations. The company has purchased an existing 220,000 square foot manufacturing facility formerly owned by American Eagle Wheel Corp. in York County, SC.

The facility will have the capacity to produce more than 750,000 wheels per year, and is expected to be operational in the first quarter of 2019. Founded in 1995, Wheel Pros currently serves more than 10,000 retailers with a global network of 33 distribution centers spanning North America and Australia. Wheel Pros has a portfolio of 12 proprietary brands with more than 300 custom wheel styles, including some of the most recognized designs in the industry.

"We are thrilled to bring automotive aftermarket wheel manufacturing to the United States," says Jody Groce and Randy White, Co-Founders and Co-CEOs of Wheel Pros. "With the backing of Clearlake, we've been able to execute on our strategy of driving growth both organically and inorganically. Our customers will benefit from being able to purchase the highest quality, American-made aftermarket wheels through our global network of distribution centers."

"Wheel Pros continues to exhibit its industry leadership by completing this investment to manufacture its products domestically," saiysJosé E. Feliciano, cofounder and managing partner, and Colin Leonard, a Partner at Clearlake. "With this investment, Wheel Pros will be able to provide its customers with innovative new styles rapidly and adapt to changing market dynamics."