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.