Hardly a newcomer, PerTronix begins a fourth decade
as a market leader in the electronic performance ignition industry.
Originally known as Per-Lux, the company was founded in 1962, primarily
a manufacturer of driving and fog lights for the heavy-duty market (big
rig trucks).
In the early 70’s, an engineer came up with the idea
of an electronic ignition system that would replace the points and
condenser in distributors. The Ignitor was born and after patenting the
product, Per-Lux started manufacturing systems with emphasis on the lift
truck and industrial engine markets. The product gained wide acceptance
with fleet managers who came to realize the dramatic improvement in
reliability and reduced maintenance cost whether they were responsible
for delivery trucks, school buses or generator/industrial engines.
Only a few automotive applications were available in
those early years, but automotive enthusiasts began using the Ignitor
for the superior performance it offered. Utilizing the Ignitor
technology, complete electronic distributors were developed in 1985 for
a variety of industrial and agricultural engines. Wis-Con, a major
original equipment engine manufacturer, counts as a customer.
In early 1990, Per-Lux sold their lighting division
and the management team lead by Tom Reh, the company’s Chief Financial
Officer, acquired the ignition division. The name changed in 1991 to
PerTronix signaled the company’s total commitment to the ignition
business. With the tremendous growth in the automotive performance
industry, PerTronix has shifted emphasis to their automotive product
offering, adding over 80 applications in the last few years. Substantial
growth along with the addition of the Flame-Thrower coils and spark plug
wire product lines made it necessary for PerTronix to expand production
and relocate to a brand new 22,000 square foot custom manufacturing
facility in 1997. By the end of 1999, the company’s Ignitor kit sales
exceeded 2,000,000 units for the decade.
PerTronix’s newest product line addition,
Flame-Thrower HEI distributors, are completely new (not remanufactured)
with proprietary electronic components that offer performance advantages
over all other HEI units on the market today. A complete line of
performance tune up accessories is also available including modules,
coils, caps and rotors.
From classic cars to forklift trucks, PerTronix
continues to supply the performance that their customers deserve.
