Bob Engel and Jesse Powell, both career-long industry members and current members of the GForce Performance Engineering management, have purchased GForce from private equity that has held the company’s stake for several years. GForce Performance Engineering is a Wichita, Kansas-based company focused on driveline upgrades for performance vehicles and independent rear suspension components.
“Obviously, we are extremely excited about the acquisition,” says Powell, GForce president. “We feel by unifying management and ownership with a common vision, the company will really hit its stride and continue the growth and success we’ve been working toward.”
Powell began his career at Aeromotive Inc. as marketing and communications director. After Aeromotive, he did a brief stint with The Enthusiast Network before leaving to step in as president of GForce.
Engel began his career in the automotive industry at AutoMeter. Later, he left to become a manufacturer’s rep for Kunzman and Associates, and would eventually move to pursue his passion in performance tuning.
For the past two years, GForce has been under the direction of Powell and Engel and has seen significant growth.
“GForce has a unique opportunity in today’s market,” added Engel, vice president and partner. “The product is extremely relevant and the manufacturing process is one that GForce has worked hard to develop. This, coupled with some of the processes and procedures we have added over the past couple of years, has produced some of best driveline parts on the market.”
GForce Engineering was founded in the mid ’90s by aerospace engineer and longtime drag racer Chris Nichols. The company saw several iterations, from a local speed shop to a fabrication and machine shop. In 2009, Nichols reimagined GForce Engineering as a true manufacturer and quickly found his place in the industry producing performance CV axles, driveshafts and driveline components, specializing in IRS and AWD performance vehicles. Nichols continues his interest in the company as lead engineer with a focus on new product development and R&D.
“Bob, Chris and I believe that in today’s performance marketplace, real innovation will come from manufacturers that are led by enthusiasts with a passion for this industry. That’s why we are investing so much into new products and new procedures, with a goal to produce better products at a better price for our customers,” said Powell.
For more information about GForce Engineering, visit GForce1320.com or call 316-260-8433.
