Who Owns Alcoa Wheels?

Alcoa Wheels traces its heritage back to the early 20th century when Alcoa Inc. (Aluminum Company of America) pioneered the use of aluminum in wheel manufacturing for commercial vehicles. The development of aluminum wheels represented a significant innovation in transportation, offering substantial weight reduction compared to traditional steel wheels. This breakthrough technology revolutionized the commercial transportation industry by enabling improved fuel efficiency and payload capacity. The pioneering work of Alcoa in aluminum wheel manufacturing established the foundation for modern lightweight transportation solutions and demonstrated the company's ability to identify and capitalize on emerging market opportunities in materials science.

Throughout the 20th century, Alcoa Wheels became the industry standard for forged aluminum wheels in heavy truck and commercial transportation applications. The brand developed a reputation for durability, reliability, and performance, with truckers requesting "Alcoa" wheels by name. The company continuously innovated in wheel design and manufacturing processes to improve performance and reduce weight, establishing itself as the preferred choice for commercial vehicle manufacturers and fleet operators. This strong brand recognition and customer loyalty reflected the superior quality and performance characteristics that Alcoa Wheels consistently delivered to the commercial transportation market.

In 2016, when Alcoa Inc. spun off its bauxite, alumina, and aluminum operations to create Alcoa Corp., the remaining company was renamed Arconic Inc. and retained the Alcoa Wheels operations as part of its Engineered Products and Forgings business. On April 1, 2020, Arconic Inc. split into two separate companies: Arconic Corporation (focused on rolled aluminum products) and Howmet Aerospace Inc. (focused on engineered products). Alcoa Wheels became part of Howmet Aerospace's Forged Wheels segment, maintaining its heritage while benefiting from enhanced focus on engineered products and aerospace applications. This corporate restructuring demonstrated the strategic value of the Alcoa Wheels brand and its alignment with high-value engineered products.

Today, Alcoa Wheels remains the number one manufacturer of aluminum wheels globally, with more vehicles driving on Alcoa forged aluminum wheels than any other brand. The company continues to innovate with products like Ultra ONE® Wheels featuring MagnaForce® alloy technology, offering some of the lightest wheels on the market. This continued innovation demonstrates Alcoa Wheels' commitment to advancing wheel technology and maintaining its leadership position in the commercial transportation wheel market. The brand's enduring success showcases its ability to combine technological innovation with practical applications that deliver real value to commercial transportation customers while maintaining its position as the industry leader.