The automotive aftermarket relies heavily on trusted component suppliers to keep personal, commercial, and industrial vehicles running safely. First Brands Group expanded rapidly into an industry giant by assembling an extensive portfolio of legacy auto parts manufacturers before entering court-ordered Chapter 7 liquidation after accumulating approximately $11.5 billion in debt.
This overview examines 13 major aftermarket brands historically managed under the First Brands Group umbrella, detailing their primary product lines, industry specializations, and operational status following the conglomerate’s restructuring and asset sales. It serves as an essential reference for mechanics, fleet managers, and vehicle owners seeking context on these established auto component lines.
| Brand Name | Primary Product Focus | Key Highlights | Recent Status Update |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trico | Wiper Blades & Systems | Over 100 years of wiper design innovation; 81,000 sq ft tech center | Brand sold during restructuring |
| Wesbar | Marine & Heavy Lighting | Submersible, waterproof, and shockproof electrical lighting | Acquired via Horizon Global (2023) |
| Luber-finer | Heavy Filtration Solutions | 99% efficiency rating on contaminants; ISO9002 certified | Acquired in 2020 |
| Autolite | Spark Plugs & Ignition | Pioneered resistor plugs; introduced Iridium Ultra spark plugs | Acquired by Premium Guard Inc. (April 2026) |
| StrongArm | Gas Lift Supports | Quick-install hatch, trunk, and hood gas struts | Acquired by Premium Guard Inc. (April 2026) |
| Carter Fuel Systems | Fuel & Water Pumps | Over a century of mechanical and electric pump manufacturing | Ceased operations April 2026 |
| Reese | Towing & Towing Accessories | Hitch ball mounts, locks, brake control wiring for trucks/RVs | Horizon Global brand asset |
| Fulton | Industrial Boilers | Steam and condensing boilers generating up to 1,000 BHP | Established 1949 as Fulton Boiler Works |
| Tekonsha | Trailer Brake Controllers | Prodigy iD, P3, and P2 electric brake controller lines | Originated RV accessories in 1964 |
| Draw-Tite | Custom Trailer Hitches | Vehicle-specific hitches engineered to precise weight capacities | Founded in 1946 |
| Bulldog | Jacks & Gooseneck Couplers | Heavy-duty Collar-Lok couplers rated up to 25,000 lbs | Horizon Global brand asset |
| Cardone | Brake Calipers & Drive Shafts | Remanufactured drivetrains, ABS modules, and steering systems | North American units wound down |
| Bargman | RV Electrical & Lighting | Tail lights, breakaways, and wiring harnesses for towables | Military supplier since 1931 |
1. Trico
Trico stands as one of the longest-running windscreen wiper manufacturers globally, serving original equipment manufacturers and the automotive replacement market for over a century. The company operates an 81,000-square-foot global technology center dedicated to testing wiper blade assemblies under harsh environmental conditions.
Its product lines include popular series such as Trico Sentry, Trico Ultra, and Trico Maxx, covering passenger vehicles, commercial buses, RVs, and heavy-duty trucks. Trico was integrated into First Brands Group in 2020 and earned General Motors’ Overdrive Award in 2022 for manufacturing excellence before being sold during the group’s liquidation.
2. Wesbar
Founded in 1934, Wesbar specializes in rugged lighting and electrical hardware engineered for marine, agricultural, and industrial applications. First Brands Group integrated Wesbar into its catalog following the acquisition of Horizon Global Corporation in 2023.
Wesbar products are built to withstand severe weather and immersion, featuring waterproof, sealed, and shockproof designs. The brand distributes tail lights, wiring harnesses, adapters, and side markers through a network of more than 5,000 dealers across the United States.
3. Luber-finer
Luber-finer began operations in 1936, providing industrial and heavy-duty automotive filtration products, including lube oil, hydraulic, and coolant filters. First Brands Group acquired the filtration specialist in 2020 to expand its commercial vehicle parts footprint.
The brand’s filters achieve up to 99% efficiency ratings in capturing harmful contaminants, excess moisture, and microbes from conventional and alternative fuels. Luber-finer earned ISO9002 certification and QS9000 registration early in its development, establishing strong quality standards across its North American manufacturing sites.
4. Autolite
Autolite started as a carriage lamp manufacturer in 1911 before shifting focus toward internal combustion ignition systems. The brand introduced its first spark plug in 1936, followed by groundbreaking developments including resistor spark plugs in 1948 and power tip designs in 1956.
After joining First Brands Group in 2020, Autolite released its flagship Iridium Ultra line for enhanced combustion efficiency. Following First Brands’ bankruptcy proceedings, automotive supplier Premium Guard Inc. acquired the Autolite brand assets in April 2026.
5. StrongArm
StrongArm designs and manufactures gas-charged lift supports engineered for automotive trunks, hatches, tailgates, and hoods. These struts allow heavy doors and panels to open safely and remain elevated without manual assistance.
The brand’s power liftgates, tailgate assists, and direct-fit gas struts are designed for simple DIY installation using standard household tools. Like Autolite, Premium Guard Inc. acquired the StrongArm asset line in April 2026 during the parent firm’s Chapter 7 asset sale.
6. Carter Fuel Systems
Established in 1909, Carter Fuel Systems built a reputation over a century of production as a primary manufacturer of mechanical and electric fuel pumps, water pumps, and liquid transfer components. Their engineered units underwent strict validation testing to meet OE specifications.
Operations under First Brands Group came to an end in April 2026. The brand permanently closed its manufacturing plant located in Logansport, Indiana, resulting in the dismissal of its remaining workforce.
7. Reese
Reese produces heavy-duty towing hardware, including ball mounts, hitch locks, trailer brake controllers, and electrical connectors designed for light trucks, SUVs, and recreational vehicles. Headquartered in Michigan, Reese operates as part of the Horizon Global portfolio.
The manufacturer designs custom-fit towing equipment engineered to meet stringent gross vehicle weight ratings (GVWR). Vehicle owners can utilize precise lookup tools based on vehicle year, make, and model to select compatible hitches and safety chain setups.
8. Fulton
Fulton Boiler Works was established in 1949 in Pulaski, New York, expanding into an international supplier of complex thermal fluid and steam boiler technologies. Unlike purely automotive subsidiaries, Fulton addresses specialized industrial heating needs across multiple global facilities.
The company manufactures vertical tubeless steam boilers capable of producing up to 1,000 boiler horsepower (BHP), alongside zero-emission electric boilers and high-output condensing units like the VSRT Boiler line.
9. Tekonsha
Tekonsha initially created steps and mirrors for recreational vehicles in 1964 before shifting core engineering toward electric trailer brake controllers in the 1970s. The brand pioneered proportional braking tech that syncs towing vehicle deceleration with trailer brakes.
Flagship brake controllers such as the Prodigy iD, Prodigy P3, and Prodigy P2 remain widely recognized across the towing industry. The brand also supplies vehicle-to-trailer wiring harnesses and replacement break-away kits.
10. Draw-Tite
Since 1946, Draw-Tite has engineered receiver hitches and custom towing accessories tailored to specific vehicle frames. Their product engineering focuses on maximizing weight carrying and weight distribution capacities across light-duty and commercial trucks.
When selecting Draw-Tite equipment, drivers must assess total combined towing payload to prevent exceeding gross axle weight ratings, ensuring safe handling characteristics while highway hauling.
11. Bulldog
Bulldog manufactures severe-duty trailering components, specializing in heavy-duty trailer jacks, gooseneck couplers, and industrial winches aimed at agricultural, construction, and military trailers. The brand traces its origin back to 1920.
Key featured products include the Collar-Lok A-frame couplers rated for 5,000 to 7,000 pounds, alongside heavy BX1 Gooseneck couplers capable of supporting up to 25,000-pound loads under challenging field conditions.
12. Cardone
Founded in 1970, Cardone Industries established itself as a massive remanufacturer and supplier of automotive aftermarket components, including brake calipers, drive shafts, electronic control modules, and power steering units.
Despite receiving industry awards for electronic product cataloging, First Brands Group initiated a complete wind-down of Cardone’s North American manufacturing and distribution units following unsuccessful attempts to secure long-term buyers during Chapter 11 proceedings.
13. Bargman
Bargman entered the automotive equipment space in 1931, initially delivering specialized electrical connectors to the U.S. military. Over time, it expanded into a primary supplier of lighting and wiring solutions for commercial trailer builders and RV manufacturers.
Based near Detroit, Michigan, Bargman manufactures fully sealed tail lights, clearance lamps, side marker lights, and molded double-ended electrical cords designed for outdoor weather endurance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the liquidation of First Brands Group?
First Brands Group accumulated approximately $11.5 billion in debt following rapid brand acquisitions. After filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in late 2025, U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Christopher Lopez converted the case into a Chapter 7 liquidation to wind down operations and pay creditors.
Which company acquired Autolite and StrongArm?
Premium Guard Inc. acquired the brand assets for both Autolite and StrongArm in April 2026 as part of the court-approved asset sales during First Brands Group’s wind-down process.
Are products from these 13 brands still available to purchase?
Yes. While certain manufacturing plants (such as Carter Fuel Systems) have ceased operation, several core brands were purchased by strategic buyers like Premium Guard Inc. or continue circulating through distributor inventory channels across North America.