The roots of the company go back to 1942, at the beginning of WWII. The company was started in Charleston, W.VA. As a production engine rebuilder of Ford, Plymouth, and Chevrolet engines. The company also rebuilt and packaged a line of carburetors, distributors, and clutch assemblies for resale to the aftermarkert.
The original company name was “The Barney Williams Co., Inc.” The company was moved to Ashland, KY., In 1944 with 50 employees . It became well known in the Tri-state region for its quality engine products and excelling in automotive machine work. The owner, Barney Williams dies in June 1951, and in 1955 his son, Al Williams became general manager. Other partners were bought out and he became sole owner in 1960.
The company began to modify its business model to include the beginning of a tool supply business, material handling equipment, with a service center for same. The company also had several equipment leasing companies. The company was a dealer for Pettibone and an authorized service dealer for Towmotor. Detroit Diesel was added and became the area’s only authorized dealer for same. Power Products, Inc. was spun off the Barney Williams Co. and became a stand alone Corporation in 1985. It was at this time that Mike Williams became sole owner and CEO and General Manager.
In addition Power Products, Inc. began to sell and service material handling lines and associates lines and associated products. Becoming a dealer for Komatsu fork lifts in 1992. The company is an authorized service dealer for Cummins, John Deere, Hatz, Deutz, Perkins, and has maintained a highly skilled staff of both parts and service personnel. We are dealers for all the above and have parts available for all domestic and foreign engines. We are dealers for engines, skid-steer loaders, fork-lift trucks and generator sets. The company also services all makes of over-the-highway diesel engines.
In 2010 the company added the Hyundai fork-lift line. Mike’s son Matthew entered the business in 2010, hence four generations are part of the history of the firm. Our company has always been totally dedicated to quality of service everyway to our customer base.
Power Products, Inc. is 100% owned by Mike Williams.