Proud Past and Vital Future....................
Publicly held since 1964, Universal is recognized as one of the nations premiere remanufacturing and parts distribution operations...............
During World War II, when shipments of Allied defense materials monopolized the U.S. rail system, Ford Motor Company offered selected Ford Dealerships the opportunity to become authorized engine remanufacturers in the interest of reducing the use of rail transportation to ship remanufactured engines. This not only solved Ford's shipping 
problems that were plaguing Ford's Detroit remanufacturing operations, it also provided an incentive for many dealers to diversify and expand their business. One of those forward thinking entrepreneurs was Fred Kent, Sr., an Algona, Iowa car dealer.
As the war ended, Ford authorized remanufacturers were reduced in number and given statewide franchises. The Iowa awardee was Mr. Kent who along with a partner, Mr. Earnest Wheeler, built the plant that today bears the name Universal Manufacturing Company.
Production expanded over the years to a point where Universal supported 19 production lines for various automotive components. This number has been reduced since 1990. We no longer remanufacture engines, but continue to operate as a Ford Authorized Distributor of Ford and Motorcraft powertrain and related products.
Universal's remanufacturing expertise is utilized to produce a line of automotive products that includes electric fuel pumps, brake calipers, transfer cases and transfer case shift motors. These products are sold throughout North America under the ReTech® brand name or under several private brand names.
Publicly held since 1964, Universal is recognized as one of the country's premiere remanufacturing and parts distribution operations. Midwestern Ford dealers depend heavily on Universal for Ford and Motrorcraft remanufactured products. In 1999, a new division was created, Universal Distribution LLC, to focus exclusively on the exceptional distribution capabilities Universal can provide.
