Arnold Motor Supply acquires Barron Motor Supply

Aug. 23, 2023
The merger unites two nearly 100-year-old Iowa-founded companies.

Arnold Motor Supply and Barron Motor Supply have announced their merger, both companies marking nearly a century serving customers in the automotive aftermarket industry.

Established in 1930 by William J. Barron Sr., Barron Motor Supply is a multi-generational company with a network of 12 Eastern Iowa locations. The company is headquartered in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and it is currently under the management of third-generation leader John Barron.

“Our 94-year family history in the automotive aftermarket is a testament to the great employees and customers we’ve had the privilege of working with. We could not have picked a more similar company and better people to pass the legacy to, to respect our history, employees, and customers. We wish them only the best and know they will serve our customers with the same respect and connection we’ve known through all these years," said John Barron, President of Barron Motor Supply.

Arnold Motor Supply, founded in 1927 by E.P. Arnold, grew from one location in Spencer, Iowa, to nearly 70 across five states in the Midwest. Both companies have built a reputation for taking care of their customers by delivering quality products and services to the communities they serve.

"Companies that last a century are rare, so the opportunity for two of them to join forces is a special opportunity. From the first conversation we had with John Barron we were both impressed at the similarities between two Iowa companies founded within three years of each other nearly a century ago who go about doing business the right way, by prioritizing the customer," said Eric Johnson, President of Arnold Motor Supply. "By combining our strengths and resources we will be able to provide excellent opportunities for team members and expanded services for the Eastern Iowa market".

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