DES MOINES, Iowa – Midwest Wheel Companies marks its 100th anniversary this month. Midwest Wheel Companies began business in Des Moines, as Iowa Vulcanizing Co., on March 1, 1911. The company was founded by Fred Prior and George Koons when they moved west from Akron, Ohio. It was the first rubber vulcanizer west of the Mississippi River.

Koons was the first generation owner of the family to serve as president; Mike Callison, the current president, is the fourth-generation owner and the great grandson of Mr. Koons. A fifth-generation member of the family is also employed by the company.
 
The company has expanded during its 100 year history and is now the largest truck parts distributor in the Midwest. Midwest Wheel Companies employs 180 employees in seven locations in Iowa (Des Moines, Clear Lake, Cedar Rapids, Davenport and Sioux City) and Missouri (Kansas City and Grandview).

As part of the company's year-long celebration, Midwest Wheel has made a $20,000 donation to the Iowa Motor Truck Association’s Iowa Motor Carrier’s Foundation and a $10,000 donation to Des Moines Area Community College.

“As we turned 100 years young, we felt that it was appropriate to show our appreciation of the trucking industry by establishing scholarship programs to promote the industry,” said Mike Callison. “We want to thank all of our employees, customers and suppliers for their support over the past 100 years. They are the people who have made us ‘100 Years Strong’.”