On Nov. 1, Wix Filters was honored with the Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association’s 2015 Pursuit of Excellence Award. Established in 1983, this award is given annually to an AWDA member in recognition of excellence in business performance and the setting of high standards as an example for others to follow.

Bobby Segal, AWDA’s incoming vice-chairman and COO/treasurer of Automotive Supply Associates, Concord, NH, presented the award on behalf of AWDA at the association’s 2015 Annual Conference in Las Vegas. Wix President and CEO Keith Wilson accepted on behalf of the company.

“I can’t say enough about what they’ve done for our organization,” Segal said. “They are a great company and they exemplify everything that the Pursuit of Excellence Award stands for.”

Founded in 1939, Wix Filters came of age during WWII, producing filters for the U.S. Army, which quickly became its largest customer. With steel in short supply, the company used paper tubes, wooden plugs, scrap metal and yarn to meet the wartime requirements.

The late ’40s and ’50s saw a massive increase in private vehicle ownership. Manufacturer-direct selling could no longer keep up with demand at the street level, leading to the emergence of independent warehouses that could handle Wix’s growing line of filters. AWDA was subsequently born, as was Wix’s enduring relationship with traditional distribution, a relationship that remains rock solid today.

Bill Maggs, president of National Pronto Association, said, “Wix Filters is one of the most dedicated manufacturers to traditional warehouse distributors that exists in the aftermarket today. They continually support their customers with great programs and promotions that help their customers grow their businesses.”

Added J.R. Bishop, director of motorsports and event marketing for Federated Auto Parts, Staunton, VA, “Wix provides the training, inventory tools and financial resources needed to help keep our end customers on the road and happy. They deserve this award.”