The following is a timeline of AMS history and related events:

1987

AMS Distributing, Inc. begins selling pressure plate assemblies, disc assemblies, and related rebuilding components exclusively to clutch rebuilders, exporters, and repackagers.

Main operations are moved to a larger location on Cassens Drive in Fenton, MO.

Miba sintered buttons and friction material are introduced. AMS would later become Miba’s largest worldwide aftermarket sintered button/facing distributor.

Introduction of Dual-Mass Flywheels for 7.3L Ford applications.

Main operations are moved to a larger location on Headland Drive in Fenton, MO.

Individually packaged OEM clutch release bearings are introduced. Over 200 SKU’s are included.

Customized application catalogs are introduced, and customers are given the option to print their company name and logo on the outside cover, for a customized version.

Valeo non-asbestos organic clutch facings are introduced. This material was developed in France, specifically for the North American aftermarket.

New Generation Clutch Kits are introduced by Westling Manufacturing, a remanufacturer headquartered in Princeton, MN.

LuK presents AMS with “1992 Outstanding Performance Award”.

A generic package program is introduced for customers to rebox their bulk AMS components and label with their own part number and corporate identity.

Introduction of OEM agricultural clutches for Ford tractor applications.

Introduction of packaged OEM pilot bearings and 100% bronze bushings.

Main operations are moved to a larger location on Hitzert Court in Fenton, MO.

Introduction of Heavy-duty (HD) and High-Performance (HP) clutches at the APRA Convention in Las Vegas.

Introduction of RhinoPac Premium New Clutch Kits at Industry Week in Las Vegas.

Introduction of RhinoPac Premium Clutch Hydraulics. The program consists of over 450 OEM slave cylinders and master cylinders.

AMS is invited to join Council of Fleet Specialists (CFS).

IWD “Auto Pride/Truck Pride” announces AMS group approved status.

All Pro/Bumper to Bumper announces AMS group approved status.

AMS Distributing, Inc. is renamed AMS Automotive, Inc. The new name is intended to more accurately reflect AMS’ expanded product offering and our increased in-house production.

AMS is invited to join Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA).

AMS purchases the New Generation clutch kit program from Westling Manufacturing, a remanufacturer headquartered in Princeton, MN.

AMS purchases the new clutch program of Arrow Automotive, a remanufacturer headquartered in Conway, AR.

CARQUEST private label new clutch kits are introduced by AMS.

Miba bonded clutch facings are introduced. This material is designed for high-performance and heavy-duty midrange use.

AMS establishes a distribution facility in Los Angeles, CA.

Introduction of alignment tools, manufactured in U.S.A.

Vipar Heavy Duty announces AMS group preferred status.

APA “Professionals’ Choice” announces AMS group approved status.

IDD (Identification by Design) computerized identification system is developed by AMS.

CARQUEST presents AMS with “CARQUEST Order Fill Rate Award” for 2000 shipping performance of 97.3%.

APA “Professionals’ Choice announces AMS group preferred status.

Professionals’ Choice new clutch kits and clutch hydraulics are introduced by AMS.

Parts Plus announces AMS group approved status.

CARQUEST presents AMS with second consecutive “CARQUEST Order Fill Rate Award” for 2001 shipping performance of 97.3%.

AMS and Standard Flywheels, Inc., based in Oceanside, CA, announce a joint venture partnership. AMS begins cataloging and promoting the exchange flywheel program from Standard Flywheels.

AMS introduces the IDD database for customer use, in conjunction with “AMS Automotive OnLine”.

Professionals’ Choice New Clutch Kit package that was developed by AMS, receives award at the AAPEX “New Product and Packaging Showcase”.

APA Professionals’ Choice names AMS as the “2003 Professionals’ Choice Vendor of the Year”.

CARQUEST presents AMS with third consecutive “CARQUEST Order Fill Rate Award” for 2002 shipping performance of 96.6%.

CARQUEST Global Solution clutch kits are introduced by AMS.

CARQUEST presents AMS with fourth consecutive “CARQUEST Order Fill Rate Award for 2003 shipping performance of 98.7%.

Introduction of Series upgrades for Dodge/Ford/GM diesel applications.

Introduction of new no-core flywheels.

Introduction of pre-filled hydraulic clutch systems.

Uni-Select NW names AMS as the “Gold Level Supplier of the Year”.

National Pronto Association announces AMS group preferred status.

AMS establishes a distribution facility in Newark, NJ.

AMS establishes a distribution facility in Toronto, Canada.

AMS purchases Autospecialty clutch program from Universal Automotive Industries, headquartered in Alsip, IL.

Uni-Select USA names AMS as their clutch supplier.

Introduction of Series upgrades for import applications.

Introduction of Select Engineered upgrades for import applications.

AMS purchases PBP, Inc., a clutch repackager headquartered in Industry, CA.

APA Professionals’ Choice names AMS as the “2007 Professionals’ Choice Vendor of the Year”.

Introduction of clutch cables, clutch forks, and related repair items.

AMS celebrates 20th Anniversary

National Pronto Association presents AMS with "Supply Chain Innovator, Leader, and Partner Award".

APA Professionals’ Choice names AMS as the “2008 Professionals’ Choice Vendor of the Year”.

Back To Top