Celebrating three decades of craftsmanship and innovation, Forgeline Wheels marks its 30th anniversary this year. Founded in 1994 by the Schardt brothers in Dayton, Ohio, Forgeline has evolved from its humble beginnings into a renowned manufacturer of custom made-to-order forged aluminum racing wheels. This milestone reflects the company's sustained commitment to quality and customer service, proving the resilience of the American entrepreneurial spirit.
The origins of Forgeline trace back even further than its official start, to 1970 when the Schardt family took over the struggling Dayton Wire Wheel. Raised in the wheel industry, twins Dave and Steve Schardt not only inherited their father's business acumen but also his passion for racing. This blend of early industry exposure and motorsport enthusiasm set the stage for what Forgeline would become.
During the early '90s, recognizing a gap in the American market for domestically produced, high-quality custom wheels, the Schardts launched Forgeline. Their first product, the RS wheel, quickly became a favorite in the racing community, illustrating the demand for robust, custom wheels. As racing technology and tire performance advanced, Forgeline stayed ahead of the curve, transitioning their offerings to include sturdier three-piece constructions and introducing the innovative one-piece forged monoblock wheels.
Forgeline’s growth wasn’t confined to the racetrack. The emergence of street cars equipped with racing-grade specifications expanded their market. High-performance street vehicles from brands like Porsche and Ferrari required wheels that could handle extreme conditions without compromise. Forgeline responded, ensuring that their track-proven technology was equally adept on the street, thus broadening their appeal and customer base.
Recent years have seen Forgeline not only continue their tradition of innovation in the world of road racing—with notable entries like the SS1R-GT wheel on Chevrolet's C8 Corvette Z06 GT3.R—but also venture into new realms such as drag racing with specialized monoblock designs. These forays underline the company's ongoing commitment to meeting diverse automotive needs.
Forgeline remains a family-owned entity, operating out of a facility that's remarkably close to their original location. As they celebrate this significant anniversary, they maintain a hands-on approach with a keen focus on quality and customer satisfaction. The dedication that started with the Schardt brothers continues to be a guiding force, as evidenced by their original employees still being part of the team.
As Forgeline looks towards the future, their journey from a small startup to a key player in the automotive wheel industry is a testament to their passion, innovation, and the loyalty of those who appreciate their work. Having worked with Forgeline on PASMAG projects in the past, we're wishing for another 30 years of forging excellence on and off the track.
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