More than 100 years of automotive experience.
Rowerdink is one of the largest OEM and aftermarket parts distributors in the Midwest. The company — established in Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1919 — has always been committed to serving professional installers.
- Same day shipment of most orders placed before 3:30 pm EST
- More than 100 years of experience and expertise
- Quality OEM replacement parts including ACDelco, Motorcraft, and MOPAR
History: A family business if there ever was one.
In 1919, in a small building in Grand Rapids, Michigan, brothers William and Harman Rowerdink started a company focused solely on automotive repair, including magnetos, which were used on farm tractors. Business was good. In 1926, they began offering automotive parts. Their first product line was United Motor Service, predecessor of ACDelco. Business continued to grow. The Rowerdink staff increased to include six mechanics. The brothers’ partnership was incorporated under the name Electric Service Station.
By the early 1940s, the company had outgrown its space. The brothers bought a building directly across the street that was twice as big. The company name was changed to Rowerdink, Inc. After World War II, William’s sons Gerald and Marvin started working at the family business. William retired in the 1950s. Gerald took the lead. In 1962, Gerald passed away unexpectedly. Marvin took over the day-to-day operations.
Marvin’s sons Bob and John joined the company in 1968 and 1981. In 1979, a second Grand Rapids location was added, and a Kalamazoo business was acquired in the early 1980s. In 1987, Marvin retired. Four years later, Bob and John ceased doing automotive repair and decided to focus solely on parts distribution. The company again moved, into a larger building in Grand Rapids where the company is currently headquartered. In the ‘90s and early 2000s, Bob and John led expansion efforts into new markets, including Muskegon, Lansing, Madison Heights, Livonia, Holland and Ann Arbor. The company also added product lines. Between 1988 and 1998, Bob’s sons Bill, Brian, and Brent joined the team, followed by John’s son Charlie. Three new locations — Sterling Heights, Warren, and South Bend, Indiana — are the most recent additions to Rowerdink operations.
Since 1919, the company has been family-owned and operated. The Rowerdink family sincerely thanks you for your support. As we move forward, we hope that we can all grow successfully together.
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