MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – Perfect Equipment, the oldest wheel balance weight brand in North America, is celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2014. Founded on Aug. 31, 1939, in Kokomo, Ind., by the late William P. Smissen, Perfect Equipment soon became a leader for wheel balance weight technology. By the mid-1950s, Perfect Equipment was one of the largest wheel weight brands in America. Perfect Equipment currently supplies many of the top OEMs, such as Ford, GM, Chrysler, Toyota, Nissan, Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen, as well as many of the aftermarket’s top retail tire centers. 
In the early 1960s, Perfect Equipment moved all of its North American operations to Murfreesboro, Tenn., where it is still headquartered today. The state-of-the-art Murfreesboro manufacturing facility runs 24/7, employs more than 300 workers and manufactures millions of wheel weights a day. With distribution facilities in Tennessee, Nevada and Canada, the Perfect Equipment brand is able to reach its customers quickly and easily with products all over the continent.
In 2005, the global company WEGMANN automotive acquired the Perfect Equipment brand and began expanding its reach all over the world. Today, the Perfect Equipment brand is available in more than 35 countries and currently features more global market share than any single brand in the category.
“We are proud of our company’s heritage and the hard work of its people over the past 75 years,” said Jeff Waechter, president and CEO of WEGMANN automotive USA Inc. “Our goal is to continue to service the needs of the market and our customers and create a fun and safe work environment for our employees to flourish in.”
In an effort to commemorate the last 75 years of success, WEGMANN automotive held a Perfect celebration event at Lanes, Trains & Automobiles in Murfreesboro, Tenn., this past Saturday. The family friendly event featured bowling, bumper cars, laser tag, prizes and more. The event also benefited Special Kids of Murfreesboro, a non-profit organization that aids children with disabilities and special needs. WEGMANN automotive was going to donate a nickel for every bowling pin knocked down during the event, but ultimately upped the donation to an even $2,500.
“WEGMANN automotive has been a great partner for Special Kids over the years,” said Stephanie Folkmann, Special Kids director of development. “They have continued to grow with us by sponsoring events, getting employees involved, and helping families in times of need. We are so thankful they have chosen Special Kids to benefit from their 75th anniversary celebration and we are honored to have some of our special families included in the fun-filled day.”
To learn more about Perfect Equipment, visit www.perfectequipment.com. To learn more about WEGMANN automotive, visit www.wegmann-automotive.com. To learn more about Special Kids, visit www.specialkidstn.com.
