AutoPower Corporation

Carolina Rim and Wheel - New Headquarters, New System, New Growth

Charlotte, N.C. Congratulations to Carolina Rim and Wheel, on their move to their new headquarters this past September. Founded in 1926 the Carolina Rim and Wheel Company operated in an environment that included protected sales territories. Their core business at the time was selling rims and wheels. A lot has changed since the days of yesteryear.

Today, head-quartered in Charlotte, N.C., Carolina Rim and Wheel is a Heavy Duty Truck Parts distributor with five branches located in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia.

John MacClements, chairman, and Tom Stewart, president, have grown their business by being customer centric and always redefining their market niche. While Carolina Rim and Wheel is primarily a Heavy Duty Truck Parts distributor below frame, they are always looking at new product lines and growth opportunities. They also carry Trailer Parts, Automotive and Light Truck Parts and Utility Trailer equipment. In fact, they have a reputation as the place to go if you need a trailer axle.

Carolina Rim and Wheel partnered with VIPAR Heavy Duty`s Integrated Network of heavy-duty distributors, suppliers, and truck parts customers. A founding member of the alliance, this partnership has been an essential element to their business expansion and growth.

A user of AutoPower and BusinessPro applications for the past 9 years, Carolina Rim and Wheel recently upgraded from Monolith Mentor Pro to IBM`s xSeries server technology using IBM UniVerse database for client/server processes. The IBM xSeries server, using Windows 2003 Server operating system, will provide scalability and reliability supporting their projected growth for many years to come. Additionally, they have installed 28 Winterm Thin Client Terminals which will reduce maintenance costs and provide greater reliability.

Carolina Rim and Wheel has been selected as a 2004 Finalist for Truck Parts Distributor of the Year. We wish them well in their future business endeavors and look forward to servicing their automation and system needs.

For more information about CRW visit their website at http://www.carolinarim.com