Hardly a newcomer, PerTronix begins a fourth decade as a market leader in the electronic performance ignition industry. Originally known as Per-Lux, the company was founded in 1962, primarily a manufacturer of driving and fog lights for the heavy-duty market (big rig trucks).

In the early 70’s, an engineer came up with the idea of an electronic ignition system that would replace the points and condenser in distributors. The Ignitor was born and after patenting the product, Per-Lux started manufacturing systems with emphasis on the lift truck and industrial engine markets. The product gained wide acceptance with fleet managers who came to realize the dramatic improvement in reliability and reduced maintenance cost whether they were responsible for delivery trucks, school buses or generator/industrial engines.

Only a few automotive applications were available in those early years, but automotive enthusiasts began using the Ignitor for the superior performance it offered. Utilizing the Ignitor technology, complete electronic distributors were developed in 1985 for a variety of industrial and agricultural engines. Wis-Con, a major original equipment engine manufacturer, counts as a customer.

In early 1990, Per-Lux sold their lighting division and the management team lead by Tom Reh, the company’s Chief Financial Officer, acquired the ignition division. The name changed in 1991 to PerTronix signaled the company’s total commitment to the ignition business. With the tremendous growth in the automotive performance industry, PerTronix has shifted emphasis to their automotive product offering, adding over 80 applications in the last few years. Substantial growth along with the addition of the Flame-Thrower coils and spark plug wire product lines made it necessary for PerTronix to expand production and relocate to a brand new 22,000 square foot custom manufacturing facility in 1997. By the end of 1999, the company’s Ignitor kit sales exceeded 2,000,000 units for the decade.

PerTronix’s newest product line addition, Flame-Thrower HEI distributors, are completely new (not remanufactured) with proprietary electronic components that offer performance advantages over all other HEI units on the market today. A complete line of performance tune up accessories is also available including modules, coils, caps and rotors.