Wix Filters

Wix stocks one of the widest filter portfolios on the planet. The company's cabin filters, air filters, fuel filters, oil filters and urea filters are fitted as original equipment in several high-end vehicles, including Mercedes-Benz, Tesla, Volkswagen, Volvo, Jaguar, Renault and Rolls-Royce models.

Since Wix’s origins in 1939, when Jack Wicks and Paul Crawshaw first started manufacturing car filters, the global company has grown to manufacture over 16,000 automotive parts. In 2016, they were incorporated into the major MANN + HUMMEL group. 

Wix continues to design and test materials to constantly upgrade filtration solutions for close tolerance engines. These design processes take place alongside consistent quality control procedures in high-end laboratories, as well as construction, technology and manufacturing divisions across America and Poland.

Wix Filters Timeline

Wix…

1939: opened a cotton mill with 3 employees – a business founded on the idea that manufacturing filter replacements would make the filter changing process easier.

1940: manufactured sock-covered refills for popular oil filters.

1942: expanded its product range by manufacturing cotton-thread filled oil filters, which were sold for farm use.

1944: developed can-type filter replacements for passenger cars with lithographed colours, rust-proofing, catalogue numbering and built-in seals.

1945: became stabilised as an established force in the filter industry due to World War II contributions.

1946: began stocking filters on the over-the-counter market.

1948: provided economical conversions for existing filter equipment on the majority of vehicles.

1954: created and patented the first spin-on oil filters, which soon became one of the most popular filters on the market. Wix also introduced self-contained end seals that avoid issues arising from damaged or incorrectly sized washers.

1955: celebrated success when its filters became original equipment for major vehicle manufacturers: Buda, Wisconsin, Case, Willys, Continental, Studebaker-Packard, Diamond-T, Oliver, Harnischfeger, New Holland, Le Roi Lycoming, Minneapolis-Moline and Mid-Western.

1956: manufactured the first knit-filter media. Wix's new spin-on filter also became original equipment for Ford, Turnpike Cruiser, Mercury, Thunderbird, Lincoln and Continental.

1960: created grit paint for simple spin-on removal. By this point, Wix was operating warehouses in Dallas, New York, Des Moines, St Louis, Oakland, Sacramento and Los Angeles.

1962: created the hex nut to remove spin-on filters easily. They also released the two-piece Mack lube filter.

1963: launched the Dualon air filter and the multi-mileage depth type oil filters.

1964: released the first dual valve filter and began colour-coding the top and bottom of each filter.

1965: received approval from the National Automotive Parts Association to become their supplier under the name ‘N.A.P.A’.

1966: produced a complete line of filters for Ford’s dealer market, under the brand ‘Autolite’.

1968: became manufacturers for 43 original equipment customers and became an industrial member of the National Association of Stock Car Racing.

1970: introduced 310 new filters.

1989: manufactured filters with tapered ends to improve sealing.

1991: launched the Total Quality Journey for consistent product and service improvement.

1992: created the first conical filter in partnership with Ford Motor Company, who presented Wix the ‘General Manager’s Award’. Wix also received a Gold Star performance award from Dana.

1993: became recognised as a world-class provider when they implemented the advanced distribution system. Wix also advanced its quality control processes with the Dana Six Sigma Challenge. 

1997: became ISO-9001 and QS9000 certified for 7 manufacturing facilities in North America.

2005-2006: won over 20 awards in 2 years and continues to win too many to list.