Our History.


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Where You Come From Matters.
We come from nearly two decades of experience, excellence, and uncompromised dedication. It all starts with building value and relationships, a track record of proven success, and the vision of our founder Vinnie Johnson.
Since 1996, Piston Automotive has evolved from a small-corrugated pallet manufacturer into one of America’s leading value-added assembly suppliers. Today, we tackle some of the automotive industry’s most complex, challenging projects, including advanced electric and hybrid vehicle battery systems.

While we are proud of our history and never forget where we came from, our eyes are constantly on the future. That is why we’re still growing, still building, and still working hard to be better than the day before.
Founded in the heart of the Detroit Empowerment Zone in 1996.
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In 1997, Piston Automotive hosted the White House Community Empowerment Conference. One year later, Piston employed more than 150 team members and has continued to grow and expand to this day.

Growth + Expansion

Founded in Detroit, MI

1996


Launched Piston Modules

JV with Continental Teves in Detroit, MI

2001


Redford, MI Facility Opens

Piston Automotive Headquarters

2004


Louisville, KY Facility Opens

2011


N. Kansas City, MO Facility Expansion

2013


Georgetown, KY Facility Opens

2017


Marion, OH Facility Acquired

2019



2000

Launched JL Automotive

JV with Lear in Highland Park, MI

2001

Launched PASA Modules

JV with ZF Sachs in Detroit, MI

2007

Liberty, MO Facility Opens


2012

Toledo, OH Facility Opens


2017

Belvidere, IL Facility Opens


2018

Van Buren, MI Facility Opens


2022

Wentzville, MO Facility Opening
Louisville, KY Facility Expansion

Founded in Detroit, MI

1996


Launched Piston Modules

JV with Continental Teves in Detroit, MI

2001


Redford, MI Facility Opens

Piston Automotive Headquarters

2004


Louisville, KY Facility Opens

2011


N. Kansas City, MO Facility Expansion

2013


Georgetown, KY Facility Opens

2017


Marion, OH Facility Acquired

2019



2000

Launched JL Automotive

JV with Lear in Highland Park, MI

2001

Launched PASA Modules

JV with ZF Sachs in Detroit, MI

2007

Liberty, MO Facility Opens


2012

Toledo, OH Facility Opens


2017

Belvidere, IL Facility Opens


2018

Van Buren, MI Facility Opens


2022

Wentzville, MO Facility Opening
Louisville, KY Facility Expansion



1996

Founded in Detroit, MI



2000

Launched JL Automotive

JV with Lear in Highland Park, MI


2001

Launched Piston Modules

JV with Continental Teves in Detroit, MI


2001

Launched PASA Modules

JV with ZF Sachs in Detroit, MI


2004

Redford, MI Facility Opens

Piston Automotive Headquarters


2007

Liberty, MO Facility Opens



2011

Louisville, KY Facility Opens



2012

Toledo, OH Facility Opens



2013

N. Kansas City, MO Facility Expansion



2017

Belvidere, IL Facility Opens



2017

Georgetown, KY Facility Opens



2018

Van Buren, MI Facility Opens



2019

Marion, OH Facility Acquiired



2022

Wentzville, MO Facility Opening
Louisville, KY Facility Expansion