History in the making: A family-owned supplier offers holistic approach By Nick Staub Editor’s Note: This series of articles, which debuted in January 2009, chronicles the recent history of automotive electrical rebuilding through the eyes of our suppliers. We hope “History in the Making” is enlight- ening to those who are new to the industry, and pleasantly reminiscent to those who have been around the block with us a few times already. Re” Electric has been a life- ong project for my family. My father purchased Romaine in 1969 after his many years with Vulcan Motor Products in Newark, New Jersey. I joined my father and brothers in the company in 1982 and I have been presi- dent of the company since 1989. Although Romaine has had consider- able growth, we continue to operate as a family organization. Our employees, as part of that family, have always been our greatest asset at Romaine Electric. Many of our employees have 20, 30 and even 40 years of faithful service, giving us one of the most experienced staffs in this industry. Our business goal is to supply starting and charging solutions throughout all sectors of the marketplace. A Retrospective 1921—Tom Romaine opens Romaine Electric for business in Seattle 1969—John Staub purchases Romaine Electric 1970— Romaine purchases RE Auto Electric in Tacoma, WA 1989—Nick Staub becomes president 1994— Romaine introduces first direct customer order program 1995— Romaine purchases Industrial Electric & Machine in Bellingham, WA 1996—Romaine is awarded first remanufacturing contract for Prestolite Electric 1997— Romaine acquires distribution of multiple OEM lines 1998— Romaine purchases Rexco Salt Lake warehouse in Murray, UT 1999—Romaine purchases G & H Auto Electric in Everett, WA 1999—Romaine purchases Component Parts Co. in Newcastle, CA 2000-International importing efforts begin 2001—Romaine expands into a full line aftermarket component supplier 2002—Romaine purchases Faulkner Electric in Portland, OR 2003—Romaine launches first online ordering system in the industry 2004—Romaine purchases Auto Electric Rebuilding in Wenatchee, WA 2004—Romaine purchases D.C. Engineering in Bremerton, WA 2004—Romaine purchases Atlantic Generator in Hallandale, FL 2005—Romaine purchases new facility for manufacturing and distribution in Kent, WA 2006—Romaine moves into new core headquarters for distribution and manufacturing 2006—Romaine opens Romaine Electric Kansas City in Kansas City, MO 2007—Romaine introduces Mpower software for rebuilders 2009—Romaine launches Direct Link 5.0 Although we are dedicated to staying on the cutting edge of technology, we still maintain the service outlook that allows us to jump in the car to help a customer trou- bleshoot a difficult application. Romaine is completely unique in our holistic approach to the industry. Although we are a large importer, we have not com- promised our emphasis on our in-house manufacturing. This strategy allows us to have the greatest possible working knowledge of starting and charging sys- Birdseye view of the Romaine Electric shop in Kent, Wash., where the business began in 1921. tems. We continue to develop new and exciting products that are made and assembled here in the U.S. in our own manufacturing facilities, from conversion solutions to improving and modifying OEM designs. Despite heavy pressure, Romaine has maintained our mechanical effort as we