Hellwig Products, a well-known name in suspension manufacturing, is celebrating its 70th year in business. Hellwig was founded in 1946 after World War II, and has remained family owned and operated to this day, manufacturing all of its steel products in California’s Central Valley. Hellwig’s expansive line of load and sway control products can be found on everything from muscle cars to trucks, military vehicles and RVs.
Rudy Hellwig first came up with his idea for the Hellwig Helper Spring after seeing cars and trucks with heavy loads sagging under the extra weight. Rudy manufactured his Helper Springs at night in his shop and would sell and install them in customers’ driveways with the help of his son, Don. Throughout the company’s 70-year history, Hellwig has always remained a family business. Don’s son Mark joined the family business in the 1960s and is currently president of the company. Melanie Hellwig White came to the business after gaining experience in other industries and now holds the title of vice president. Melanie is proud to be the fourth generation Hellwig working in the family business.
“My great-grandfather, my grandfather and my father have all put blood, sweat and tears into this business and that is what drives and inspires me,” said Melanie Hellwig White. “To still be manufacturing our products in-house, in Visalia, California, I feel very lucky to be able to carry on my great-grandfather’s legacy. I’m excited to continue diversifying and growing our product line and to expand into new markets.”
Hellwig says it has grown to become a leading manufacturer of suspension products thanks to its ability to evolve and adapt its product line over time. The company began manufacturing sway bars in the 1970s, which now account for a majority of its sales. Hellwig also leveraged its manufacturing expertise to build a thriving private label and OEM division. In 2006, air suspension was introduced and added another dimension to Hellwig’s towing and hauling product line. Hellwig now offers the largest air bag on the market, appropriately named “The Big Wig,” which allows users to run lower air pressure for a smoother ride. Today, Hellwig offers suspension components for a variety of on-road and off-road vehicles, including muscle cars, trucks, RVs, UTVs and military and armored vehicles.
Click here to watch the “Forged for Life” video about Hellwig Suspension Products.
All Hellwig Products are made in the USA and come with a Lifetime Warranty on all steel parts. For more information on Hellwig and the 70th Anniversary visit HellwigProducts.com.
