LKQ Corporation Acquires Winch Manufacturer Warn Industries

Chicago-based LKQ Corporation has announced their acquisition of Oregon-based winch and truck/powersport accessories manufacturer Warn Industries. Warn Industries become LKQ’s first manufacturing company within its organization and becomes part of their Specialty Products Group. Warn will now be led by Kyle Shiminski who is the Vice President and General Manager of LKQ’s Specialty Products Group who brings more than 32 years of experience leading manufacturing, global supply chain, and continuous improvements within organizations such as Ingersoll Rand, Textron and LKQ. Shiminiski assumes the previously vacated role held by previous Warn Industries President John Stransky who had recently retired. Also joining the Warn fold will be well-respected industry professional George Lathouris who will fill the vacant roll of Vice President, Global Sales and will report directly to Kyle Shiminiski. Lathouris has been part of the automotive aftermarket industry since the 1970s and has worked for well-known companies such as Lund International and Dick Cepek. LKQ has a proprietary business in the automotive aftermarket segment and one in the recreational vehicle aftermarket segment with 15 proprietary brands between the two groups. Warn now joins the group as a standalone manufacturing entity and offer a full line of products including winches, mounting systems, hubs and accessories.