ENKEI America has been in Columbus, Indiana for 40 years and Jacksonville, Florida for 27 years.
Mr. Kenji in his early days
A Legacy of Innovation
Founded in 1950 in Hamamatsu, Japan, ENKEI began with a vision rooted in craftsmanship and engineering excellence. One of its founders, Kenji Suzuki, was a skilled casting engineer whose expertise helped shape ENKEI’s early success.
ENKEI became the first company to mass-produce aluminum wheels in Japan—an achievement that earned national recognition and set a new industry standard.
Today, that legacy continues through ENKEI America and ENKEI’s global operations across multiple countries. Built on decades of innovation, precision, and continuous improvement, ENKEI America proudly carries forward this heritage—delivering world-class aluminum wheels that define performance, quality, and trust.
ENKEI Logo History
1989: Introduced alongside the company slogan “GET THE FEELING,” the logo featured a bold, forward-moving design. The upper element evoked the image of an arrow cutting through the wind—symbolizing speed, progress, and momentum.
Later Evolution: The logo evolved into the iconic infinity symbol, representing endless possibility, innovation, and ENKEI America’s commitment to continuous improvement and forward-thinking design.
What does ENKEI mean?
ENKEI’s original name was Enshu KeiGouKin Co., which remained in use until 1989.
- Enshu refers to the Enshu region in Shizuoka, Japan, where ENKEI’s headquarters is located.
- KeiGouKin means “Light Alloy” in Japanese.
By combining En from Enshu and Kei from KeiGouKin, the name ENKEI was formed. For many years, ENKEI was used as a nickname until it became the official corporate name in 1989.
ENKEI Timeline
1946–1950: Foundations
1946: Kenji Suzuki and partners establish Nikken Co. and Nikken Industry in Hamamatsu.
1948: Begin production and sales of aluminum wheels for dollies and wheelbarrows.
1950: Enshu Light Alloy Co., Ltd. is established in Hamamatsu; aluminum wheel production begins.
1957–1967: Growth & Global Vision
1957: Kenji Suzuki becomes the company’s second president.
1959: Company relocates to Aoi-cho, Hamamatsu.
1967: Factory dedicated to exporting four-wheel aluminum wheels opens; U.S. exports begin.
1984–1989: ENKEI in America
1984: Enkei International Inc. established in Troy, Michigan for logistics.
1985: ENKEI America is founded in Columbus, Indiana.
Arial Photo of the future Enkei America Site 1986: Groundbreaking ceremony held for ENKEI America.
December:
The first Japanese wheel manufacturer to supply wheels to the actual race of F1
1986: Suzuka Circuit
1987: ENKEI America’s first wheel off the line was the GXCW, for the Pontiac Grand Prix.
Pontiac Grand Prix 1987: ENKEI America begins manufacturing, producing 30,000 wheels per month.
1987: Established Enkei Tai Company Limited, an aluminum wheel production plant in Samut Prakan, Thailand.
1988: ENKEI begins supplying wheels to Mazda USA.
Below is the P14 sold to Mazda for the assembly on the Ford Probe.
1989:
ENKEI America completes Plant 2 expansion.
Enshu Light Alloy Co., Ltd. officially becomes Enkei Co., Ltd.
1990–2000: Industry Recognition & Expansion
1990: ENKEI receives GM’s Mark of Excellence Award.
EAL (ENKEI America Logistics) Built and shipped 75,000 wheels.
Transition from solvent-based clear coat to polyester clear coat.
1991–1992: Begin exports to Mitsubishi and Honda; over 100,000 wheels shipped.
1992: New aluminum production start in Malaysia and China.
1994–1995: ENKEI America breaks ground and completes the MAP (Most Advanced Production) facility.
1995: ENKEI celebrates its 10th anniversary.
ENKEI America Achieves CPS-9000 Certification, the first in the ENKEI Group.
1997: ENKEI Florida established in Jacksonville, FL
1998: ENKEI America adopts the corporate-wide 5S Program.
2000: ENKEI Florida Grand Opening.
2001–2012: Quality Leadership
2001: Receives ISO 14001: 2015 Certified by TÜV Rheinland certification.
2004: Achieves ISO/TS16949 certification.
2005: 20th anniversary of ENKEI America.
2006: EKAM (ENKEI America Moldings) is created, enabling in-house mold production.
2006: Finish transition from MAP to MAT. Adding Spinning process.
2012: Honda awards ENKEI for excellence in delivery.
2015: ENKEI Products certified for Brazil delivery.
30th anniversary of ENKEI America.
2016: ENKEI Florida becomes ENKEI America Jacksonville operations.
2018: ENKEI is certified to IATF 16949.
2019: ENKEI First 21″ production prototype wheel.
Resilience & Innovation
2023: Rivian selects ENKEI America to manufacture wheels for the R1T.
2025: ENKEI America celebrates its 40th Anniversary, marking four decades of manufacturing excellence, innovation, and commitment to quality, safety, and continuous improvement in Columbus, Indiana.
2026: ENKEI America continues to strive for safety and production.